Community StoriesYudith G. in Menifee, CA
My name is Yudith, and I live in Menifee, California with my husband, Delfino, and our two children, Jennifer and Alan. We knew there was a history of hemophilia in my family, but we decided that shouldn't affect our decision to have children.
We found out Alan had severe hemophilia shortly after he was born. It was difficult at first, but we decided it was important to learn as much about Alan's hemophilia as possible. Because we're well-informed, we can make better decisions that help Alan live very much like any other little boy.
Delfino and I want Alan to excel at school so he can have a career that's not stressful on his body.
Six years ago, our doctor recommended we use ADVATE because it is free of blood-based additives.2,4,b
b There have been no confirmed reports of viral transmission with recombinant factor VIII therapies.
Today, Alan is an extremely active six-year-old who runs around like he has wheels on his feet. He loves to play soccer,a go to the park and help his father wash the car.
We’re sharing our story because we want others in the Spanish-speaking community to learn as much as they can about hemophilia.
Yudith G. Menifee, CA
a Not all activities are appropriate for all people. Consult with your physician or healthcare professional to determine which activities are appropriate for you and what safety precautions to take when participating in a particular sport or exercise regimen.
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.
