Antihemophilic Factor (Systemic)

Brand Names : Alphanate, Bioclate, Helixate, Hemofil M, Humate-P, Hyate:C, Koate-HP, Kogenate, Kogenate FS, Helixate FS, Monarc-M, Monoclate-P, Recombinate, AHF, factor VIII

Proper Use of This Medicine

Some medicines given by injection may sometimes be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using this medicine at home, your health care professional will teach you how to prepare and inject the medicine. You will have a chance to practice preparing and injecting it. Be certain that you understand exactly how the medicine is to be prepared and injected .

To prepare this medicine:

• Take the dry medicine and the liquid (diluent) out of the refrigerator or freezer and bring them to room temperature, as directed by your doctor.
• Wipe rubber surface of bottles with alcohol swab and allow to dry.
• When injecting the liquid (diluent) into the dry medicine, aim the stream of liquid (diluent) against the wall of the container of dry medicine to prevent foaming.
• Swirl the container gently to dissolve the medicine. Do not shake the container .
• Check the solution to make sure it is clear. Do not use medicine if you can see anything solid in the solution or if the solution is cloudy

Use this medicine right away . It should not be kept longer than 3 hours after it has been prepared, as directed on the package or by your doctor.

A plastic disposable syringe and filter needle must be used with this medicine . The medicine may stick to the inside of a glass syringe, and you may not receive a full dose.

Do not reuse syringes and needles. Put used syringes and needles in a puncture-resistant disposable container , or dispose of them as directed by your health care professional.

Dosing - The dose of antihemophilic factor (AHF) will be different for different patients. The dose you receive will be based on:

• Your body weight.
• The amount of AHF your body is able to make.
• How much, how often, and where in your body you are bleeding.
• Whether or not your body has built up a defense (antibody) against this medicine.

Your dose of this medicine may even be different at different times. It is important that you follow your doctor's orders .

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, check with your doctor as soon as possible for instructions. If you cannot reach your doctor, use your usual dose as soon as you remember.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Some AHF products must be stored in the refrigerator and some in the freezer. However, some of them may be kept at room temperature for short periods of time. Store this medicine as directed by your doctor or by the manufacturer.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.