MEDIPEDIA
Section
Everything you need to know is here
Your guide to medical terms & conditions
Your medicines explained
Your tests and investigations explained
Factor VII
Factor VII (also called NovaSeven) is a man-made version of the natural factor VII that your body makes. It is a clotting factor. Clotting factors are given to stop you bleeding too much if you have diseases like haemophilia, or don't have enough of that clotting factor.
What does factor VII do?
Man-made factor VII tops up your factor V11 levels when your body doesn't make enough of it by itself. This stops you bleeding too much.
What does it look like?
Factor VII is a white powder that you mix with water that has been specially cleaned to make sure that it is totally pure. This special cleaning is called sterilising. When they have been mixed together, the powder and sterilised water make a clear liquid. The liquid is used for injections.
When do I have to take it and how much do I take?
Your doctor will decide how much factor VII you need to take, and how often and for how long you need to take it. It will depend on your age and how bad your haemophilia is.
You may only need to have it when you are having an operation, to stop you bleeding too much.
How do I take it?
You will be given factor VII as an injection. You will most likely be given your injection by your doctor or a nurse, but if the adult looking after you has been taught how to do it then they might give you your injection at home.
But what if I don't feel like taking it?
It's extremely important that you have your factor VII injections, even if you don't feel like it. t will stop you bleeding too easily. If you are bleeding a lot, you could lose too much blood and this can be very dangerous. You could even die!
What should I do if I forget to take it?
It's unlikely that your doctor or nurse will forget to give you your injection, but if they do, make sure you tell him or her straight away. If you are having your injection at home and the adult looking after you forgets to give it to you, you should remind them straight away.
Make sure that he or she doesn't give you a double dose to make up for the one you missed - remember the three Ds: DON'T DOUBLE DOSE!
What are the most likely side effects I might get if I take factor VII?
It's unlikely that you will get any side effects after having your factor VII injections. But, if you do, the ones you are most likely to get are:
What other side effects might I get?
Side effects you are less likely to get are:
If you notice these, or any other side effects, tell your doctor or the person who looks after you immediately. Factor VII can also cause changes to your blood or the way your liver works. These changes will be found in blood tests that your doctor will give you.
Are there any other side effects that you haven't mentioned?
Factor VII can make your blood clot too easily, although this is very very unusual. If it does happen though, it can be very serious as it can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
Is it safe for me to be taking factor VII?
It's very important that you tell your doctor about any medical problems you know you have, or have had in the past, including allergies, so he or she knows if it's safe for you to have factor VII.
Is it okay for me to be taking factor VII if I'm already taking other medicine?
It's important that you tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, including herbal medicines and anything you have bought without a prescription.
It's especially important if you are using any other medicines that affect how your blood clots.
Is there anything else I need to know about factor VII?
You should not mix factor VII with anything except the water that you get with the powder.
Also, don't use factor VII if the powder won't dissolve easily or if there are any lumps in the liquid.
What if I have any more questions?
If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people who take factor VII in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.