Factor VIII (medication)
A depiction of factor VIII | |
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| Trade names | Aafact, Kovaltry, others |
| Other names | octocog alfa |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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| Routes of administration | Intravenous (IV) |
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| Trade names | Adynovi |
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| Trade names | Advate |
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| Trade names | Wilate |
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| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
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Factor VIII, an essential blood coagulation protein, is used as a medication to treat and prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A and other causes of low factor VIII. Certain preparations may also be used in those with von Willebrand's disease. It is given by slow injection into a vein.
Side effects include skin flushing, shortness of breath, fever, and red blood cell breakdown. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may occur. It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the fetus. A purified factor VIII concentrate is made from human blood plasma. A recombinant version is also available. People may develop antibodies to factor VIII such that this medication becomes less effective.
Factor VIII was first identified in the 1940s and became available as a medication in the 1960s. Recombinant factor VIII was first made in 1984 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1992. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.