Von Willebrand factor recombinant

Von Willebrand factor(Recombinant) is a prescription medication used to treat bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Von Willebrand factor(Recombinant) belongs to a group of drugs called recombinant protein treatments. These work by providing a protein that is needed for the blood to clot.

This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.

The most common side effect of von Willebrand factor(Recombinant) is itching.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of this medication, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

No studies have been done in pregnant women or animals with this medication, therefore it is unknown if von Willebrand factor(Recombinant) can be harmful to an unborn baby or affect a woman's ability to become pregnant. This medication should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; tightness in your throat or chest, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);

• chest pain or pressure, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• nausea; or

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

• a burning sensation around the IV needle;

• dizziness, nausea;

• muscle twitching;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;

• hot flashes;

• fast heart rate;

• itching;

• chest discomfort; or

• increased blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Specific Drugs

It is essential that the manufacturer's labeling be consulted for more detailed information on interactions with this drug, including possible dosage adjustments. Interaction highlights:

Please see product labeling for drug interaction information.

AHFS First Release. For additional information until a more detailed monograph is developed and published, the manufacturer's labeling should be consulted. It is essential that the manufacturer's labeling be consulted for more detailed information on usual uses, dosage and administration, cautions, precautions, contraindications, potential drug interactions, laboratory test interferences, and acute toxicity.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Allergic side effects may rarely happen.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Blood clots have happened with von willebrand factor. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
• Call the doctor right away if the normal dose does not work as well.
• Talk with the doctor before you travel. You will need to bring enough of this medicine for use during travel.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using von willebrand factor while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

• rVWF

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Cardiovascular: Chest discomfort (2%), hypertension (2%), increased heart rate (2%), inversion T wave on ECG (2%), tachycardia (2%)

Central nervous system: Dizziness (2%)

Dermatologic: Pruritus (3%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Hot flash (2%)

Gastrointestinal: Dysgeusia (2%), nausea (2%)

Local: Infusion site reaction (paresthesia; 2%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor (2%)

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Antibody development (neutralizing), cerebrovascular accident, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypersensitivity reaction, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis

Plasma levels of VWF:RCo and FVIII:C (prior to and during treatment); development of VWF and/or factor VIII inhibitors; signs of bleeding; signs/symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions or thrombosis