ADVATE is a medicine used to prevent and control bleeding in adults and children with hemophilia A. ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
Learn about others living with hemophilia A
As someone with hemophilia A, it can be helpful to learn about people with similar experiences. Knowing that they've been through it too can make a difference. In the following videos, you'll meet Michael, Lee, Ezra, and Marco, who are all living with hemophilia A and have worked with their doctor to choose ADVATE as their treatment. You can learn more about their stories below.
MICHAEL’S MY WHY VIDEO (Length 6:06)
NARRATOR: ADVATE is a medicine used to help replace missing clotting factor to prevent and control bleeding in people who have hemophilia A. ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
NARRATOR: Detailed Important Risk Information. Who should not use ADVATE? Do not use ADVATE if you are allergic to mice or hamsters, are allergic to any ingredients in ADVATE.
NARRATOR: Tell your HCP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because ADVATE may not be right for you. Please keep watching for additional safety information and find ADVATE’s full Prescribing Information located on this website.
MICHAEL: Why ADVATE?
MICHAEL: I’m on ADVATE because it has reduced my bleeding episodes.
MICHAEL: I was diagnosed with hemophilia A shortly after birth. And it was actually at my circumcision, my bris. My parents noticed that the bleeding didn't stop. And so, they took me to the hospital, where I was promptly diagnosed.
MICHAEL: My parents were very active with my care. Yeah. My dad, you know, being a doctor, he started researching hemophilia A. And based on that research, he felt comfortable enough to talk to my doctor about ADVATE. I started infusing ADVATE when I was in middle school.
MICHAEL: My parents would infuse for me, and eventually, they and my doctor taught me how to self-infuse.
MICHAEL: I really like the schedule of infusing on the same days each week.
MICHAEL: Back when my factor had to be refrigerated, that was like a huge pain. ADVATE comes refrigerated, but it shouldn't be returned to the refrigerator after it's removed.
MICHAEL: It can be kept at room temperature, up to 86 °F for up to 6 months, as long as it's before the expiration date, which I like because it made traveling easier for me as I got older.
MICHAEL: Since I started ADVATE, I have not had a single major, uh, you know, significant bleed.
MICHAEL: Bleed protection is important to me because I want to live life on my terms.
MICHAEL: I'm so grateful to have the prophylactic factor treatment. I do still get some bumps and bruises at times, you know, as anyone does. The bruises might be a little bit bigger than, than a typical person. Keep in mind, this is just my experience, and it may be different for others.
MICHAEL: My ultimate goal is absolutely to enjoy life and to not be limited by hemophilia A.
MICHAEL: I would definitely say that hemophilia has taught me a lot. How to be resilient, and to never give up.
MICHAEL: I feel much more confident and hopeful about the future. That's My Why.
NARRATOR: ADVATE Important Information. What is ADVATE? ADVATE is a medicine used to replace clotting factor (factor VIII or antihemophilic factor) that is missing in people with hemophilia A (also called “classic” hemophilia). ADVATE is used to prevent and control bleeding in adults and children (0-16 years) with hemophilia A. Your healthcare provider (HCP) may give you ADVATE when you have surgery. ADVATE can reduce the number of bleeding episodes in adults and children (0-16 years) when used regularly (prophylaxis). ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
NARRATOR: Detailed Important Risk Information. Who should not use ADVATE? Do not use ADVATE if you: Are allergic to mice or hamsters. Are allergic to any ingredients in ADVATE. Tell your HCP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because ADVATE may not be right for you.
NARRATOR: What should I tell my HCP before using ADVATE? Tell your HCP if you: Have or have had any medical problems. Take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies. Have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters. Are breastfeeding. It is not known if ADVATE passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby. Are or become pregnant. It is not known if ADVATE may harm your unborn baby. Have been told that you have inhibitors to factor VIII (because ADVATE may not work for you).
NARRATOR: What important information do I need to know about ADVATE? You can have an allergic reaction to ADVATE. Call your HCP right away and stop treatment if you get a rash or hives, itching, tightness of the throat, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea or fainting. Do not attempt to infuse yourself with ADVATE unless you have been taught by your HCP or hemophilia center.
NARRATOR: What else should I know about ADVATE and Hemophilia A? Your body may form inhibitors to factor VIII. An inhibitor is part of the body’s normal defense system. If you form inhibitors, it may stop ADVATE from working properly. Talk with your HCP to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to factor VIII.
NARRATOR: What are possible side effects of ADVATE? Side effects that have been reported with ADVATE include: cough, headache, joint swelling/aching, sore throat, fever, itching, unusual taste, dizziness, hematoma, abdominal pain, hot flashes, swelling of legs, diarrhea, chills, runny nose/congestion, nausea /vomiting, sweating, and rash. Tell your HCP about any side effects that bother you or do not go away or if your bleeding does not stop after taking ADVATE.
NARRATOR: For additional safety information please find ADVATE’s full Prescribing Information located on this website and discuss with your HCP.
NARRATOR: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-10881-800-FDA-1088.
NARRATOR: Talk to your doctor to see if ADVATE is right for you.
Watch real patients talk about their ADVATE experiences (Length 8:46)
NARRATOR: ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)]
NARRATOR: You’re about to hear from real people living with severe hemophilia A.
NARRATOR: Please see Detailed Important Risk Information at the end of this video. Talk to your doctor to see if ADVATE is right for you.
LEE: Here we go. Hi! My name is Lee.
MARCO: My name’s Marco.
EZRA: My name is Ezra.
MARCO: I was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A, since birth.
LEE: I was diagnosed with hemophilia A around 2 days old.
EZRA: I was diagnosed with hemophilia A at birth. My parents had 8 children, and of those 8 children, 5 of us had hemophilia, so that was a big part of life growing up.
MARCO: After my diagnosis, my dad was a bit nervous. He was basically afraid of holding me because he believed that he could, you know, leave me a bruise, cause me to bleed.
LEE: Having hemophilia and wanting to be a very active kid definitely had its limitations, where we had to make sure that I was staying away maybe from higher-risk sports, but in consultation with my doctors, we were able to try different things, from lower-risk sports to even piano and guitar lessons.
MARCO: I had this dream as a kid that I wanted to become a professional athlete. I had to realize real quick that it couldn’t be possible. However, I did overcome a lot of things in my life.
EZRA: I love sports, and so I think it was always a difficult part of my childhood to understand that I could never play organized sports. I remember seeing lists of green, yellow, and red activities color-coded for what activities were safe or not so safe for someone like me.
MARCO: I've dealt with bleeds my entire life, mainly my left ankle and my left elbow. Over the years, I tried different treatments for my hemophilia A.
LEE: Initially, my treatment was on-demand, but around 6 years old, in consultation with the doctors, we decided that prophylactic treatment may be a good option for me and the lifestyle that I was looking to have.
EZRA: Growing up, and still to this day, I liked being active, and I wanted to be as active as possible. So, my parents and my doctor made the medical decision for me to treat with prophylaxis.
MARCO: Since I have hemophilia A, I have less than 1% factor VIII in my blood. My healthcare provider told us about ADVATE and that it is a prescription medicine used to replace, help replace the missing clotting factor in people like me who have hemophilia A.
EZRA: The treatment process with ADVATE is pretty straightforward for me. I’m able to infuse 3 times a week and try to minimize bleeding as I go about my life.
LEE: When I was 18 years old and getting ready to go off to college, I did have another conversation with my healthcare provider about what options were out there for me. My hematologist told me about ADVATE. He told me that ADVATE is an infusion that when taken prophylactically can help reduce the number of bleeds.
LEE: I liked that I could take my factor with me to college or if I was traveling. I liked that it fit into my lifestyle. After talking about risks and benefits, we decided that ADVATE would be a good option for me. My doctor told me that the most common side effects reported with ADVATE are fever, headache, cough, pain or swelling of nose or throat, joint swelling, aching, vomiting, upper respiratory infection, limb injury, runny nose, congestion, and diarrhea.
MARCO: I feel that ADVATE is a good fit for me and has helped reduce my number of bleeding episodes. This is just my experience, and yours might be different.
EZRA: Starting prophy treatment with ADVATE was a turning point in my life. My mom helped my brother and I with our infusions initially, but when I was 12, I was trained how to self-infuse. Do not attempt to infuse ADVATE unless you have been taught by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center.
EZRA: When I think about what ADVATE means to me, I think about the fact that it is a tool that I use to be as active as possible and try to live the best version of my life as a hemophiliac.
LEE: ADVATE has allowed me to go do the things that I want to go do, within reason, of course. I'm looking forward to starting a family and wanting to be involved in that and have to make sure that I stay compliant with my treatment schedule to be able to participate in those activities as we look into the future.
MARCO: Hemophilia doesn’t define you. You know, it’s a part of you, but it doesn’t have to define you. It doesn’t put limits on yourself and what you can or what you can’t do.
MARCO: What I'm really looking forward to is finishing up to get my bachelor's. I would like to travel. I would like to see new places. There's a lot of things, but I'm taking it step by step.
EZRA: Hemophilia doesn’t have to define you; it doesn’t have to define me. And we can have active and healthy lives, even with hemophilia.
NARRATOR: What is ADVATE? ADVATE is a medicine used to replace clotting factor (factor VIII or antihemophilic factor) that is missing in people with hemophilia A (also called “classic” hemophilia). ADVATE is used to prevent and control bleeding in adults and children (0-16 years) with hemophilia A. Your healthcare provider (HCP) may give you ADVATE when you have surgery. ADVATE can reduce the number of bleeding episodes in adults and children (0-16 years) when used regularly (prophylaxis). ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
NARRATOR: Who should not use ADVATE? Do not use ADVATE if you: Are allergic to mice or hamsters. Are allergic to any ingredients in ADVATE. Tell your HCP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because ADVATE may not be right for you.
NARRATOR: What should I tell my HCP before using ADVATE? Tell your HCP if you: Have or have had any medical problems. Take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies. Have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters. Are breastfeeding. It is not known if ADVATE passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby. Are or become pregnant. It is not known if ADVATE may harm your unborn baby. Have been told that you have inhibitors to factor VIII (because ADVATE may not work for you).
NARRATOR: What important information do I need to know about ADVATE? You can have an allergic reaction to ADVATE. Call your HCP right away and stop treatment if you get a rash or hives, itching, tightness of the throat, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea or fainting. Do not attempt to infuse yourself with ADVATE unless you have been taught by your HCP or hemophilia center.
NARRATOR: What else should I know about ADVATE and Hemophilia A? Your body may form inhibitors to factor VIII. An inhibitor is part of the body’s normal defense system. If you form inhibitors, it may stop ADVATE from working properly. Talk with your HCP to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to factor VIII.
NARRATOR: What are possible side effects of ADVATE? Side effects that have been reported with ADVATE include: cough, headache, joint swelling/aching, sore throat, fever, itching, unusual taste, dizziness, hematoma, abdominal pain, hot flashes, swelling of legs, diarrhea, chills, runny nose/congestion, nausea/vomiting, sweating, and rash. Tell your HCP about any side effects that bother you or do not go away or if your bleeding does not stop after taking ADVATE.
NARRATOR: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
NARRATOR: For additional safety information please see full Prescribing Information and discuss with your HCP.
VOICE OVER:
What is ADVATE?
- ADVATE is a medicine used to replace clotting factor (factor VIII or antihemophilic factor) that is missing in people with hemophilia A (also called “classic” hemophilia).
- ADVATE is used to prevent and control bleeding in adults and children (0-16 years) with hemophilia A. Your healthcare provider (HCP) may give you ADVATE when you have surgery.
- ADVATE can reduce the number of bleeding episodes in adults and children (0-16 years) when used regularly (prophylaxis).
ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.
Who should not use ADVATE?
Do not use ADVATE if you:
- Are allergic to mice or hamsters.
- Are allergic to any ingredients in ADVATE.
Tell your HCP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because ADVATE may not be right for you.
What should I tell my HCP before using ADVATE?
Tell your HCP if you:
- Have or have had any medical problems.
- Take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies.
- Have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters.
- Are breastfeeding. It is not known if ADVATE passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
- Are or become pregnant. It is not known if ADVATE may harm your unborn baby.
- Have been told that you have inhibitors to factor VIII (because ADVATE may not work for you).
What important information do I need to know about ADVATE?
- You can have an allergic reaction to ADVATE. Call your HCP right away and stop treatment if you get a rash or hives, itching, tightness of the throat, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea or fainting.
- Do not attempt to infuse yourself with ADVATE unless you have been taught by your HCP or hemophilia center.
What else should I know about ADVATE and Hemophilia A?
- Your body may form inhibitors to factor VIII. An inhibitor is part of the body’s normal defense system. If you form inhibitors, it may stop ADVATE from working properly. Talk with your HCP to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to factor VIII.
What are possible side effects of ADVATE?
- Side effects that have been reported with ADVATE include: cough, headache, joint swelling/aching, sore throat, fever, itching, unusual taste, dizziness, hematoma, abdominal pain, hot flashes, swelling of legs, diarrhea, chills, runny nose/congestion, nausea/vomiting, sweating, and rash. Tell your HCP about any side effects that bother you or do not go away or if your bleeding does not stop after taking ADVATE.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-10881-800-FDA-1088.
For additional safety information, click here for Prescribing Information and discuss with your HCP.
Growing up with hemophilia A
While everyone's journey with hemophilia A is unique, these stories reflect similarities too. Click on the photos below to learn how Lee, Ezra, and Marco each worked with their doctor and families to manage their condition and treatment.
Lee
Diagnosed with hemophilia A at two days old and has moved forward ever since
Ezra
One of four brothers born with hemophilia A who learned to manage it as a family
Lee was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A at two days old. Growing up, Lee and his parents worked closely with his doctors to find sports he could play, and he has carried his commitment to staying active into adulthood.
After you were diagnosed with hemophilia A, your parents discovered a family history of the disease on your mom’s side. Can you share a bit about that?
I was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A at two days old. My parents weren’t aware of the family history at the time. My mother was from Wales, and my father was UK-born to a British mother and an American father. I have two cousins in Wales who also have hemophilia. I remember hearing my parents call that side of the family while I was growing up. They would talk about what we were all doing for treatment. At that point, the local hemophilia community was small and growing and we were looking for different avenues to connect with other families having dealt with hemophilia.
How did you handle your treatment while being active?
I got the port taken out when I was 12, and after being taught by my healthcare provider, I began doing my IV infusions. To this day, I have been very compliant with my treatments, which helps me stay active. I was able to play baseball with friends in high school and college. Although, certain activities, including baseball, aren't for everyone with hemophilia A. That’s why you should always talk to your doctor before starting a new activity. My doctor told us that if anyone even suspected that I might be injured from playing baseball, that I should call him or go to a treatment center immediately for care.
Has having hemophilia A influenced your approach to life?
There's kind of a mental toughness you get as a kid with hemophilia. I matured earlier mentally, getting infusions at a really young age and then eventually infusing myself. Other 12-year-olds didn’t have to hit their vein and get factor. It was not fun, but it became a piece of my character that made other parts of life feel relatively easy. I knew I could do what I needed to do because I’d done harder things managing hemophilia A.
“Hemophilia is not my crutch. The plan is to stay healthy so I can be the best husband and son I can be.”
Ezra, is one of four brothers with hemophilia A. With generations of family members living with the condition before him, Ezra is grateful for developments in medicine that enable him to manage his bleeds and live an active life.
How does your story of living with hemophilia begin?
My four brothers and I were born with hemophilia A. This bleeding disorder is woven through almost all areas of my life—even the parts I can't remember—which were told to me as I grew older. My first dose of factor VIII was administered in El Paso, Texas. I was told that I fell off of a tricycle when I was just old enough to be riding in the driveway. I hopped back on the tricycle as soon as I fell and started to pedal again. As I turned the trike around for another lap, my mother saw the drops of blood break through my curly hair and stain my white shirt.
How did your family take on hemophilia A?
I always knew I had to be cautious and was blessed to have a mother who was a nurse before marrying and having children. Given this knowledge, along with her experiences caring for her beloved baby brother, she never seemed fazed by the roller-coaster ride of raising five children living with hemophilia. She is my rock. She worked with our doctors to help make all our healthcare decisions for the family until we were old enough to make them for ourselves. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been on ADVATE for hemophilia A. It is a part of my life, just like my brothers and hemophilia.
How did your treatment journey unfold?
Unfortunately, all the support in the world could not alter my experience when I was dealing with bleeds, target joints, and premature arthritis. I appreciated having a family who understood what I was dealing with, but medicine, while improving, was not quite where it is today; however, there was a turning point when I was told to infuse on a schedule, also known as prophylaxis, and not on demand. This put me in the driver’s seat! With prophylaxis, I was inspired to take even more control of my body and its needs. I started to work out more regularly because I remained faithful to my treatment regimen and that helped to protect against potential bleeds.
“Despite the difficulties, I remain blessed because of the care and camaraderie that comes from growing up in a family that knows these issues inside and out.”
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Selected Important Risk Information
Do not use ADVATE if you are allergic to mice or hamsters or are allergic to any ingredients in ADVATE. Tell your HCP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because ADVATE may not be right for you.
