How should I use human antihemophilic factor?
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 potency.
Human antihemophilic factor is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.
Human antihemophilic factor is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
After mixing the medicine and diluent, keep the mixture at room temperature and use it within 3 hours. Do not put mixed medicine into a refrigerator.
Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. A single-use vial is for one use only. After measuring your dose, throw this vial away, even if there is medicine left in it.
Do not use human antihemophilic factor if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
You may need to check your pulse before and during your injection. If your pulse becomes rapid, slow down or stop the injection until your pulse rate returns to normal.
While using human antihemophilic factor, you may need frequent blood tests.
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 human antihemophilic factor may have specific storage instructions.
Store the medicine and the diluent in their original container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Before preparing your dose, take these items of the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.
You may also store the medicine and diluent at room temperature until the expiration date on the label. Some brands of this medicine can be stored at room temperature for only a certain number of months, or until the expiration date (whichever comes first). Follow the storage directions on the medicine label.
If you store this medicine at room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator.
Do not store this medicine in bright light. Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.