Factor VIII is an anti-hemophilic medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating Hemophilia A.

By facilitating the clotting process, Factor VIII helps prevent and control bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia A and other conditions associated with low factor VIII levels. It reduces the chance of complications such as bleeding, excessive blood loss, and related health issues

Factor VIII is usually administered through a vein (intravenously) by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not self-administer this injection.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Factor VIII are reddening of the skin, burning and stinging at the injection site, chills, flushing, headache, hives, hypotension, lethargy, nausea, restlessness, tachycardia, tightness of the chest, tingling, vomiting and wheezing.

The use of this drug increases the cardiovascular risk. It is highly advised to discuss with your physician if you have any existing heart disease condition before initiating the treatment with Factor VIII. A central venous access device (CVAD) may sometimes be required to administer this drug treatment. It's important to consider the risks associated with CVAD-related complications, including local infections, bacteremia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream), and catheter site thrombosis (blood clot formation at the catheter site). Proper care and monitoring should be exercised to minimize these risks. The development of inhibitors (antibodies) is a known complication that can occur during treatment with this medicine. These inhibitors can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients receiving Factor VIII therapy should be closely monitored for the development of inhibitors. If bleeding is uncontrolled with this drug, you must notify your doctor immediately.

If you regularly or repeatedly receive human plasma-derived Factor VIII products, your doctor may recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and B. It is because there is a possible risk of exposure to these viruses through plasma-derived products. Vaccination can help protect against these infections. This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Stop taking this tablet and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or skin symptoms. Inform your doctor of any heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease. Your physician may prescribe you a low dose and perform regular blood tests. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor for more advice before starting the treatment with Factor VIII.

Good dental hygiene is important to maintain oral health and prevent tooth and gum disease. It is particularly relevant for individuals with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A, as they may be more susceptible to excessive bleeding. If you notice any changes in your symptoms or have concerns about the treatment with Factor VIII, immediately communicate them to your physician for more advice.

1. Biotest Pharma GmbH, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2022], [Accessed on 01 July 2023], Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.579.pdf.
2. Baxter Healthcare Corporation- food and drug administration (FDA), [Accessed on 01 July 2023] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/78280/download#:~:text=Factor%20VIII%20is%20the%20specific,spontaneously%20or%20after%20minor%20trauma.
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs affecting coagulation, bleeding, and thrombosis, 7th edition, 2013, 217.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.