Alphanate
Generic name:antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex [ AN-tye-HEE-moe-FIL-ik-and-von-WIL-e-brand-FAK-tor-KOM-plex ]
Brand names: Alphanate, Humate-P, Wilate
Drug class:Miscellaneous coagulation modifiers
What is Alphanate?
Antihemophilic and von Willebrand factors are naturally occurring proteins in the blood that help the blood to clot.
A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A. A lack of von Willebrand factor is the cause of von Willebrand disease. Alphanate works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in the blood to aid in clotting.
Alphanate is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in people with von Willebrand disease.
Alphanate is also used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A.
Alphanate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor in the past.
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.
Carefully follow all instructions about how to store this medicine. Each brand of antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex may have specific storage instructions.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Alphanate if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor.
To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.
Your doctor may want you to receive a hepatitis vaccination before you start using Alphanate.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Alphanate is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
How should I use Alphanate?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Always check the strength of the medicine on the label to be sure you are using the correct pot...
