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Understanding PK testing and your Factor VIII activity levels: A guide for patients with hemophilia A
PK testing to understand your factor activity levels is crucial for individuals or caregivers of people with hemophilia A. Knowing your Factor VIII levels helps you understand the severity of your condition and manage it better. Low Factor VIII levels can be associated with an increased risk for bleeds.
What is a PK test?
A PK test, or pharmacokinetic test, measures how your body processes Factor VIII. This test is also known as a Factor VIII activity test. Unlike screening tests, which are used to diagnose hemophilia, a PK test helps understand your factor levels and the severity of your condition.
How to test for Factor VIII deficiency
Doctors can test for Factor VIII deficiency using several methods. The most common method is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test, which is a one-stage assay. This test measures the ability of your blood to clot and provides an indication of Factor VIII levels.
What do my Factor VIII activity test results mean?
Understanding your Factor VIII activity test results is key to managing hemophilia A.
- Normal levels: 50% - 150% factor activity
- Near-normal*: 40% - <50% factor activity
- Mild hemophilia: 5% - <40% factor activity
- Moderate hemophilia: 1% - <5% factor activity
- Severe hemophilia: <1% factor activity
*WFH guidelines define the upper limit of mild hemophilia as 40% factor activity and the WFH Introduction to Hemophilia defines the normal range as 50% to 150%, which indicates that 40% to 50% would be in between mild hemophilia and normal, here referred to as “near-normal” levels.
WFH=World Federation of Hemophilia.
It's important to note that specific reference ranges and interpretations of Factor VIII activity test results may vary slightly between different labs and healthcare providers. If you have any questions or concerns about your test results, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider for a personalized assessment and recommendations.
Working with your doctor to understand and monitor your factor activity levels
It's important for patients to work with their doctors to understand their factor levels and monitor them. Your doctor may react to changes in your factor activity levels by making changes to your treatment plan or recommending lifestyle changes. They might suggest different treatments based on your factor levels to better manage your condition. Speak to your doctor to learn more about PK testing and your factor activity levels.
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ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] is an injectable medicine that is used to control and reduce the number of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (congenital Factor VIII deficiency).
Your healthcare provider may give you ALTUVIIIO when you have surgery.
What is the most important information I need to know about ALTUVIIIO?
Do not attempt to give yourself an injection unless you have been taught how by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center. You must carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dose and schedule for injecting ALTUVIIIO so that your treatment will work best for you.
Who should not use ALTUVIIIO?
You should not use ALTUVIIIO if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTUVIIIO?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have had any medical problems, take any medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines, are breastfeeding, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What are the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO?
You can have an allergic reaction to ALTUVIIIO. Call your healthcare provider or emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, or hives.
Your body can also make antibodies called “inhibitors” against ALTUVIIIO. This can stop ALTUVIIIO from working properly. Your healthcare provider may give you blood tests to check for inhibitors.
The common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache and joint pain.
These are not the only possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
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