This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Alphanate; Humate-P; Wilate
Brand Names: Canada
Humate-P; Wilate
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat or prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia.
- It is used to treat or prevent bleeding in people with von Willebrand disease.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained bruising or bleeding or if bleeding does not stop after taking this drug. This may be a sign that your normal dose is not working as well.
- Blood clots have happened with this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
- This drug is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This drug is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
- Talk with the doctor before you travel. You will need to bring enough of this drug for use during travel.
- If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of certain infections (parvovirus B19, hepatitis A) like fever or chills, headache, feeling very sleepy, runny nose, rash, joint pain, tiredness, poor appetite, upset stomach or throwing up, diarrhea, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Flushing.
- Severe dizziness or passing out.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Stinging.
- Swelling.
- Severe upset stomach or throwing up.
- Restlessness.
- Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Change in color of mouth to blue.
- Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
- Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach.
- Constipation.
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Headache.
- Back pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- It is given as a shot into a vein.
- If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- This drug needs to be mixed before use. Follow how to mix as you were told by the doctor.
- Do not shake.
- Throw away any part of the opened vial not used after the shot is given.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wilate:
- If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before mixing. Do not heat this drug.
- Use within 4 hours of making.
- This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
All other products:
- Use within 3 hours of making.
- Do not use if solution changes color.
- There may be a few flakes or particles after you mix this drug. The filter used when mixing this drug removes these from the solution. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or still has flakes or particles after using the filter.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Wilate:
- Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- If stored at room temperature, make a note of the date it was placed at room temperature.
- If stored at room temperature, throw away any unused vials after 6 months or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.
- Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
All other products:
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
All products:
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-05-17
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