4 mins read

Overview: Koate is used to treat or prevent certain types of bleeding in people with hemophilia A. It works by replacing a protein called factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly. Common side effects include nervousness, headaches, and stomach pain.

Uses

What is Koate used for?

Hemophilia A is a condition that causes your blood to not clot properly. Koate (antihemophilic factor, human) is commonly used to treat or prevent certain types of bleeding in people with hemophilia A.

Koate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Koate work (mechanism of action)?

Hemophilia A is caused when your body does not make enough of a certain protein called factor VIII, which normally helps cause your blood to clot. Koate works by replacing factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly.

How is Koate supplied (dosage forms)?

Koate is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Koate?

Koate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Koate?

The most common side effects of Koate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Blurred vision

There may be other side effects of Koate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Koate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Koate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Koate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Koate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Koate may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. Your health care provider may run tests and stop Koate if you have hemolytic anemia.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Koate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Koate.

  • Antihemophilic factor, human
  • Koate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Koate.

What should I know about Koate before using it?

Koate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Your health care provider should monitor your bloodwork while you are being treated with Koate. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Koate is made from human blood. It is possible that it may carry a risk of having germs that can cause infections. While steps are taken to reduce this risk, there is still a small chance that you could get an infection, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Some people have an immune system reaction to Koate that causes it to stop working as well. This is called neutralizing antibodies or inhibitors. Your health care provider should monitor your immune system with blood tests while you are being treated. Talk to your health care provider if you think Koate is not working.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Koate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Koate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Immune system problems
  • Planned surgery

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Koate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Koate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Koate?

For more information about Koate, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.mykoate.com or call them at 800-520-2807.

Interactions

Does Koate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Koate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Koate.

Does Koate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Koate and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Koate?

If you or someone else has used too much Koate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Koate?

Koate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Koate as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Koate dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.