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 the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
- Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has unexplained bruising or bleeding or if bleeding does not stop after giving this drug. This may be a sign that your child’s normal dose is not working as well.
- Blood clots have happened with this drug. Tell the doctor if your child has ever had a blood clot.
- 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 your child travels. Your child will need to bring enough of this drug for use during travel.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s 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 child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has 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 the doctor right away if your child has 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 child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child 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 child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s 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 your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Wash 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 my child misses a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the 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 child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s 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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