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Conversations with your doctor: Understanding your Factor VIII replacement therapy options
An understanding of hemophilia and its available treatment options is important to support people with hemophilia throughout their treatment journey. Preparing for your doctor's appointment can play an important part in taking control of your hemophilia treatment and goals.
Before your appointments
Before visiting your doctor, you should prepare a small list of your symptoms, treatment history, and current medications. You can document your concerns and questions in order to have a productive appointment. Keeping a detailed log of bleeding episodes, treatment responses, and treatment side effects can help you and your doctor in setting clear and achievable treatment goals.
Be prepared: Know your hemophilia
infusion treatment options
You should understand your treatment options, including those that are preventive or on-demand, and the types of available therapies, like Factor VIII replacement and factor mimetic, before discussing a treatment plan with your doctor.
Factor VIII replacement therapy options
Factor VIII replacement therapy is an effective treatment for hemophilia A, especially severe hemophilia A, and works to replace the missing blood clotting factor (Factor VIII). Two main categories of replacement therapies include those that are extended half-life (EHL) or standard half-life (SHL). EHL therapies are designed to last longer in the bloodstream, potentially reducing the frequency of infusions needed to manage hemophilia. SHL therapies have a shorter duration of action and may require more frequent dosing. The choice of therapy can depend on various factors, including the severity of hemophilia A, lifestyle considerations, and the treatment goals set by doctors in collaboration with their patients.
Non-Factor VIII replacement therapies
The other treatment option includes non-factor replacement therapy—a Factor VIII mimetic that targets different points in the clotting process rather than simply replacing the missing Factor VIII. This non-factor therapy is only for prophylactic use.
Hemophilia treatment at home
Although hemophilia care is often provided at specialized treatment centers, at-home treatment, such as Factor VIII infusion, is an alternative. This option, alongside regular visits to the doctor, may allow you to live a more normal life and ensure that bleeding is treated promptly. Further, it can help you better adhere to your treatment plan.
Your personalized treatment goals
Personalized treatment goals are essential and must reflect the severity of hemophilia, your lifestyle, and health requirements. Goals include adjusting your lifestyle, recognizing bleeding, and assessing your risk. You should discuss these goals with your doctor to ensure that they are appropriate and relevant.
Prophylaxis treatment
Prophylaxis in hemophilia refers to the regular administration of clotting factor to prevent bleeding episodes before they occur. Patients with severe hemophilia should consider prophylactic treatment with Factor VIII replacement to prevent bleeds and joint damage. The treatment should be tailored to your needs, considering elements like factor activity levels and personal preferences.
Factor VIII replacement therapies on demand
On-demand treatment can provide you with the means to manage spontaneous bleeding episodes effectively. The on-demand treatment is effective for stopping bleeds. While it offers flexibility and autonomy, it is important for you and your doctor to weigh the benefits against the potential challenges.
Having open conversations with your doctor
It is important for you to have clear and open communication with your doctor. Prioritize your concerns, be open to suggestions, and discuss all aspects of your treatment, including considerations.
Keeping the conversation going
Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure that the treatment plan remains effective and your goals are being met. A strong partnership between you and your doctor is the foundation for successful hemophilia A management.
Understanding your hemophilia and treatment options is the key to helpful discussions with your doctor. By preparing for appointments, knowing your treatment options, planning your treatment goals, and maintaining open communication, you can manage your hemophilia effectively. Remember, you are not alone on this journey—treatment, support systems, and healthcare professionals dedicated to helping you in this journey are available.
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Sanofi Hemophilia Community Relations and Education (CoRe) Managers offer education to
people living with hemophilia and their families. CoRe Managers provide information about
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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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