What Is Recombinant Factor VIII?

Recombinant Factor VIII, sometimes referred to as Antihemophilic Factor, is a purified protein which is used in the treatment of hemophilia A, a genetic bleeding disorder. It may be used for both prevention and treatment of bleeding in these patients and is administered intravenously by infusion. It is available in most countries by prescription only and may be known by different trade names in different countries, according to manufacturer.

Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder which causes the sufferer to bleed copiously, even with the smallest injury. It is a genetic condition which is most commonly found in boys, but is not absolutely limited to them, and is due to a lack of one of the factors needed to bring about clotting of the blood to stop bleeding. There are a number of sub-types of hemophilia, the most common being hemophilia A, which is a shortage of Factor VIII. Hemophilia is not curable, so treatment is in the form of replacement therapy like Recombinant Factor VIII.

The clotting or coagulation process after an injury consists of a complicated cascade of actions involving platelets and a number of proteins, or clotting factors. Factor VIII plays an important part in the process which ends in the production of fibrin, which forms the clot and stops the bleeding. In people with hemophilia A, the Factor VIII is minimal or missing completely so the whole cascade is interrupted and bleeding does not stop.

Most often, Recombinant Factor VIII, which mimics the action of the body's Factor VIII, is given in the acute setting, although it may also be given prophylactically, such as in the case of surgery. The dose and dosage regimen will be calculated by the prescribing doctor taking a number of factors into consideration including the weight of the patient, the desired rise in Factor VIII levels required and the severity of the bleeding, or expected bleeding risk. Recombinant Factor VIII is given intravenously by an infusion that is injected into the vein slowly, requiring sterile administration by a trained person who should follow the reconstitution and administration instructions closely.

As with any medication, Recombinant Factor VIII may cause adverse effects. These may include chills, fever, headache, flushing, nausea and vomiting upon administration. Allergic reactions have also been reported. Should any adverse reaction occur, the patient should seek medical attention immediately as the dose may need to be reduced or the infusion stopped.