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Recombinant Factor VIII ( ree-CUHM-bin-ant FAK-ter ehyt ) First Generation—Recombinate™ (Baxter) Second Generation—Kogenate® FS (Bayer), Helixate® FS (CSL Behring), and ReFacto® (Wyeth) Third Generation—ADVATE® (Baxter) and XYNTHA® (Wyeth) What is this medication used for? Recombinant factor VIII is a artificial factor VIII protein used to treat factor VIII deficiency.
What does it look like? • Liquid created by mixing vial of powder and vial of liquid How is it given? • Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Headache What are the less common side effects? • Allergic-type reaction (e.g., hives, itching, or wheezing) • Nausea • Diarrhea • Fever • Flushing of face
Special instructions: • Before administering, the two vials must be mixed together using the manufacturer’s specific transfer device. • Infuse as an IV push. Recombinant factor VIII should not be dripped in because it is a protein that will stick to the tubing. • Vial sizes vary. Administering more than the recommended dose is unlikely to cause problems. You should infuse the entire contents of each vial. When in doubt, contact the prescribing provider before wasting recombinant factor VIII. • Some patients may develop antibodies (inhibitors) to infused factor VIII protein. These inhibitors are not usually associated with symptoms but may result in a suboptimal response to treatment. • Recombinant factor VIII should be given before diagnostic procedures (e.g., computed tomography [CT] scan or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) when bleeding is suspected, because bleeding will continue until the medicine is administered. Delays in treatment can result in life- or limb-threatening bleeding. • Contact your healthcare provider if bleeding continues despite treatment.
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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