Explanation

Factor VIII (also called Fanhdi) is used to replace the natural factor VIII 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.

What does Factor VIII do?

Factor VIII tops up your factor VIII levels when your body doesn't make enough of it by itself. This stops you bleeding too much. It comes from blood that has been donated.

What does it look like?

Factor VIII 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 take it and how much do I take?

Your doctor will decide how much factor VIII you need to take, how often you need to take it and for how long. It will depend on your age and how bad your haemophilia is.

How do I take it?

You will be given factor VIII as an infusion. This means that you will have an injection in your vein and the factor VIII will go into your vein gradually over a period of time. 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 VIII injections, even if you don't feel like it. If you are bleeding a lot, you could lose too much blood. This can be very dangerous, and you could even die!

What should I do if I forget to take it?

It is 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 you your injection, 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 VIII?

It is unlikely that you will notice any side effects after having your factor VIII injections. But, if you do get any side effects they can be serious.

You should stop having your factor VIII injections and tell your doctor immediately if you get any of these:

A rash

difficulty breathing or wheezing

swelling of your lips, face, neck or throat

You may notice other side effects that can also be harmful, although it's unlikely. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the things on the list below:

high temperature/fever

bleeding more often than normal

getting confused, dark coloured urine, being dizzy, your skin going much more pale than usual, or your skin and eyes going yellow

Is it safe for me to be taking factor VIII?

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 VIII.

Before you start having factor VIII injections you should have vaccinations against hepatitis A and B. Make sure that you tell your doctor if you have had these or not.

Is it okay for me to be taking factor VIII if I'm already taking other medicine?

So far, doctors and scientists have not found any other medicines that should not be taken while you are being treated with factor VIII. But, it's still very 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.

Is there anything else I need to know about factor VIII?

It's very important that you don't inject any other medicines with factor VIII. You should not mix factor VIII with anything except the water that you get with the powder.

Also, don't use factor VIII 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 with haemophilia in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.