Factor_VIII_(medication)
Factor VIII (medication)
Pharmaceutical drug
Factor VIII is a medication used to treat and prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A and other causes of low factor VIII.[8][9] Certain preparations may also be used in those with von Willebrand's disease.[9] It is given by slow injection into a vein.[8]
Side effects include skin flushing, shortness of breath, fever, and red blood cell breakdown.[8][9] Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may occur.[9] It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the fetus.[10] A purified factor VIII concentrate is made from human blood plasma.[9] A recombinant version is also available.[8] People may develop antibodies to factor VIII such that this medication becomes less effective.[10]
Factor VIII was first identified in the 1940s and became available as a medication in the 1960s.[11][12] Recombinant factor VIII was first made in 1984 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1992.[13][14] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[15]