Community StoriesLloyd M. in Lancaster, OH
My name is Lloyd, and I am the stepfather of a boy with severe hemophilia A. We decided to make the switch to ADVATE about two years ago. The fact that it is a third generation product that is based on RECOMBINATE made the switch very easy.2,4,6,10,a
We want to allow our son to be a boy and not to limit his imagination. We allow him to try new experiences so that he grows up knowing not to let his hemophilia stand in his way. Having him on a product like ADVATE allows us to do this and lessens our worries in case he has a bleed.
We are very proud of him. He is a very outgoing boy and loves to talk to people. He is able to talk to people about his hemophilia, even adults. He isn't shy about telling people what he needs or if he's hurt and needs to infuse. He handles his hemophilia better than a lot of boys much older than him.
As a parent, I believe that it is very important to be hands-on. We have never had a nurse do any of his infusionsb, and because of that our relationship has grown tremendously. My advice to young parents is: Don't be scared. Don't put them in a "bubble" and keep them from living. Don't make them feel different. Get siblings involved so that they feel like they are a part of his life. And finally, don't be afraid to have more children. There are worse things that a child can have than hemophilia, so don't limit your experience as a parent because you are afraid.
Lloyd M Lancaster, OH
a There have been no confirmed reports of viral transmissions with recombinant factor VIII therapies.
b You should be trained on how to do infusions by your hemophilia treatment center or your doctor.
ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Plasma/Albumin-Free Method] is a medicine used to replace clotting factor VIII that is missing in people with hemophilia A (also called “classic” hemophilia). ADVATE is used to prevent and control bleeding in people with hemophilia A. Your healthcare provider may give you ADVATE when you have surgery.
ADVATE is not used to treat von Willebrand Disease.
Detailed Important Risk Information for ADVATE
You should not use ADVATE if you are allergic to mice or hamsters or any ingredients in ADVATE.
You should tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any medical problems, take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and dietary supplements, have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters, are nursing, are pregnant, or have been told that you have inhibitors to factor VIII.
You can have an allergic reaction to ADVATE. Call your healthcare provider 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.
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. Consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to factor VIII.
Side effects that have been reported with ADVATE include: cough, sore throat, unusual taste, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, headache, fever, dizziness, hot flashes, chills, sweating, joint swelling/aching, itching, hematoma, swelling of legs, runny nose/congestion, and rash.
Call your healthcare provider right away about any side effects that bother you or if your bleeding does not stop after taking ADVATE.
Please see ADVATE full Prescribing Information.
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.
