ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)] 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.
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.
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-1088 .
For additional safety information, click here for full Prescribing Information and discuss with your HCP .