What Is Advate?
Recombinant antihemophilic factor works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII in the blood to aid in clotting.
Recombinant antihemophilic factor is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia A. It is also used to control bleeding related to surgery or dentistry in a person with hemophilia, and to prevent joint damage in people age 16 or older with severe hemophilia A and no prior joint damage.
Recombinant antihemophilic factor is not for use in people with von Willebrand disease.
Recombinant antihemophilic factor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor, or if you are allergic to mouse or beef proteins.
Before using recombinant antihemophilic factor, your specific blood clotting disorder must be diagnosed as factor VIII deficiency. Recombinant antihemophilic factor will not treat von Willebrand disease.
It is not known whether recombinant antihemophilic factor will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether recombinant antihemophilic factor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Advate Side Effects
Stop using recombinant antihemophilic factor and call your doctor at once if you have:
- chest pain;
- easy bruising, increased bleeding episodes; or
- bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected.
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- joint pain;
- sore throat, cough, stuffy nose;
- weakness, feeling tired;
- fever; or
- pain, swelling, itching, or irritation where the injection was given.
Advate Interactions
Other drugs may interact with recombinant antihemophilic factor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Advate Dosage
Recombinant antihemophilic factor is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Recombinant antihemophilic factor is usually given every 8 to 24 hours for 1 to 4 days, depending on the reason you are using the medicine.
This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.
Recombinant antihemophilic factor must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before injecting it. If you store your medicine in the refrigerator, take a medicine and diluent vial out of the refrigerator and allow each to reach room temperature before mixing them.
Gently swirl the medicine and diluent to mix them and allow the medicine to completely dissolve.
After mixing the medicine and diluent, the mixture should be kept at room temperature and must be used within 3 hours. Do not put mixed medicine into the refrigerator.
Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Each vial is for one use only. After measuring your dose, throw the vial away, even if there is medicine left in it.
Do not use recombinant antihemophilic factor if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
While using recombinant antihemophilic factor, you may need frequent blood tests.
Your body may develop antibodies to antihemophilic factor, making it less effective. Call your doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
Store the medicine and the diluent in the refrigerator and do not allow them to freeze.
You may also store the medication and diluent at room temperature until the expiration date on the label. Some brands of this medicine can be stored at room temperature for only a certain number of months, or until the expiration date (whichever comes first). Follow the storage directions on the medicine label.
Do not store this medicine in bright light. Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Since recombinant antihemophilic factor is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
