Advate contains recombinant antihemophilic factor. Antihemophilic factor is a naturally occurring protein in the blood that helps blood to clot. A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A.
Advate works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII in the blood to aid in clotting.
Advate is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia A. It is also used to control bleeding related to surgery or dentistry in a person with hemophilia, and to prevent joint damage in people age 16 or older with severe hemophilia A and no prior joint damage.
Advate is not for use in people with von Willebrand disease.
Important information
Do not use Advate if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor in the past, or if you are allergic to mouse or beef proteins.
Before using Advate, your specific blood clotting disorder must be diagnosed as factor VIII deficiency. Human antihemophilic factor will not treat von Willebrand disease.
Your body may develop antibodies to Advate, making it less effective. Call your doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.
To be sure Advate is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
Before using this medicine
You should not use Advate if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor, or if you are allergic to mouse or beef proteins.
Before using Advate, your specific blood clotting disorder must be diagnosed as factor VIII deficiency. Advate will not treat von Willebrand disease.
It is not known whether Advate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether recombinant antihemophilic factor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Advate?
Use Advate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Always check the strength of the medicine on the label to be sure you are using the correct potency.
Advate is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Advate is usually given every 8 to 24 hours for 1 to 4 days, depending on the reason you are using the medicine.
This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.
Advate must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before injecting it. If you store your medicine in the refrigerator, take a medicine and diluent vial out of the refrigerator and allow each to reach room temperature before mixing them.
Gently swirl the medicine and diluent to mix them and allow the medicine to completely dissolve.
After mixing the medicine and diluent, the mixture should be kept at room temperature and must be used within 3 hours. Do not put mixed medicine into the refrigerator.
Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Each vial is for one use only. After measuring your dose, throw the vial away, even if there is medicine left in it.
Do not use Advate if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
While using Advate, you may need frequent blood tests.
Your body may develop antibodies to antihemophilic factor, making it less effective. Call your doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
Store Advate and the diluent in the refrigerator and do not allow them to freeze.
You may also store the medication and diluent at room temperature for a period of up to 6 months not to exceed the expiration date. Follow the storage directions on the medicine label.
Do not store Advate in bright light. Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Advate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Advate?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Advate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Advate: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Advate and call your doctor at once if you have:
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chest pain;
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easy bruising, increased bleeding episodes; or
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bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected.
Common Advate side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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joint pain;
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sore throat, cough, stuffy nose;
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weakness, feeling tired;
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fever; or
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pain, swelling, itching, or irritation where the injection was given.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Advate?
Other drugs may interact with Advate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
