Table of Contents

What is Antihemophilic Factor and How Does It Work?

Antihemophilic factor (AHF) is a medication that is used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients with hemophilia A, a genetic disorder that causes a deficiency of clotting factor VIII in the blood. Clotting factor VIII is a protein that helps the blood form clots to stop bleeding after an injury or surgery. Patients with hemophilia A have a higher risk of bleeding into their muscles, joints, and internal organs, which can cause pain, swelling, and permanent damage.

AHF injection is a synthetic or human-derived product that contains clotting factor VIII. It is given by intravenous infusion into a vein, usually by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. AHF injection can be used to control bleeding episodes when they occur, or to prevent them from happening as often when used regularly. AHF injection can also be used to prevent bleeding during a surgical procedure.

Benefits of Antihemophilic Factor

AHF injection can help patients with hemophilia A live more normal and active lives by reducing the frequency and severity of bleeding episodes. AHF injection can also prevent complications such as joint damage, chronic pain, infections, and anemia that can result from untreated bleeding. AHF injection can improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with hemophilia A.

Side Effects of Antihemophilic Factor

AHF injection is generally well tolerated by most patients, but some side effects may occur. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, rash, itching, and injection site reactions. Some patients may develop antibodies (inhibitors) against clotting factor VIII, which can reduce the effectiveness of AHF injection and increase the risk of bleeding. This can happen at any time during treatment, but is more likely to occur during the first 50 days of exposure to AHF injection. Patients should be monitored regularly for the presence of inhibitors by their health care provider.

AHF injection may also carry a small risk of transmitting certain viruses or bacteria that may be present in human-derived products. However, these products are screened and treated to reduce this risk as much as possible. Synthetic products do not contain any human or animal proteins and do not carry this risk. Patients should discuss the benefits and risks of different types of AHF products with their health care provider before starting treatment.

How to Use Antihemophilic Factor

AHF injection should be used exactly as prescribed by the health care provider. The dose and frequency of AHF injection depend on the patient’s weight, severity of hemophilia A, type and location of bleeding, and response to treatment. The health care provider will determine the appropriate dose and schedule for each patient based on their individual needs.

AHF injection should be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. It should not be frozen or shaken. It should be used within the expiration date printed on the label. Before using AHF injection, the patient or caregiver should check the product for any discoloration or particles. If any are present, the product should not be used and should be returned to the pharmacy or health care provider.

AHF injection should be reconstituted (mixed) with sterile water before use according to the instructions provided with the product. The reconstituted solution should be clear or slightly opalescent (pearly). If it is cloudy or contains particles, it should not be used and should be discarded properly. The reconstituted solution should be used within 3 hours after mixing.

AHF injection should be administered by intravenous infusion using a sterile needle and syringe. The infusion rate should not exceed 10 mL per minute unless otherwise instructed by the health care provider. The patient or caregiver should follow proper hygiene practices when preparing and administering AHF injection to prevent infection. The patient or caregiver should also keep a record of each dose of AHF injection, including the date, time, amount, lot number, and any side effects experienced.

Precautions and Contraindications for Antihemophilic Factor

AHF injection should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients or to any human or animal proteins that may be present in some products. Patients who have had an allergic reaction to AH