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Overview: Hemofil M 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 dizziness, headaches, change in how things taste, fever, and pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site.

Uses

What is Hemofil M used for?

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

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

How does Hemofil M 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. Hemofil M works by replacing factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly.

How is Hemofil M supplied (dosage forms)?

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

How should I store Hemofil M?

Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M?

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

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Change in how things taste
  • Fever
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site

There may be other side effects of Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hemofil M may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Hemofil M 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Hemofil M?

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

  • Antihemophilic factor, human
  • Hemofil M
  • Mouse proteins
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Hemofil M.

What should I know about Hemofil M before using it?

Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Hemofil M is made from human blood. There is a small risk that Hemofil M may contain a substance called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent, which can cause a rare brain disorder. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Some people have an immune system reaction to Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M is not working.

Hemofil M can rarely cause a type of liver infection brought on by a virus called hepatitis A. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis A.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Dark urine (pee)
  • Yellowish skin

Hemofil M can rarely cause infection with a virus called parvovirus B19. The risk is higher in pregnancy or people with a weakened immune system. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of parvovirus B19.

  • Fever or chills
  • Drowsiness
  • Runny nose
  • Rash
  • Joint pain

What should I tell my health care provider before using Hemofil M?

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 Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Hemofil M?

For more information about Hemofil M, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.hemophiliajourney.com or call them at 888-229-8379.

Interactions

Does Hemofil M interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Hemofil M and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Hemofil M.

Does Hemofil M interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Hemofil M 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 Hemofil M?

If you or someone else has used too much Hemofil M, 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 Hemofil M?

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

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