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Advate

antihemophilic factor recombinant
Used for Hemophilia
Used for Hemophilia

Newer factor VIII recombinant products, such as Advate, are infused through the veins to treat or prevent bleeds in people with a certain blood condition called hemophilia A. These products are different from the older first-generation factor VIII products, such as Hemofil M, because the newer products are made with technology that don't use human plasma. In addition, the newer factor VIII recombinant products can be used on a regular basis to prevent bleeds, whereas older factor VIII products are typically only used during surgery or procedures.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 24, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Advate (factor VIII)?

What is Advate (factor VIII) used for?

  • To treat or prevent bleeds in people with hemophilia A

How Advate (factor VIII) works

Advate (factor VIII) is a clotting factor replacement for people who are missing special blood-clotting proteins called factor VIII (FVIII) due to hemophilia A. By replacing the missing clotting factor (FVIII, or antihemophilic factor) in people who naturally don't have it, bleeding episodes can be reduced or treated.

Are you looking for information on Recombinate (factor VIII) first-generation recombinant or Hemofil M (factor VIII) human plasma instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdvate, Kogenate FS, Xyntha, Eloctate, Afstyla, Novoeight, Esperoct, Nuwiq, Altuviiio
Drug ClassCoagulation factor replacement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Advate (factor VIII)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The side effects below were reported by people who used Advate during clinical trials. If you're using a product besides Advate, the side effects you experience and your risk of side effects might be different.
  • Fever (16%)
  • Headache (13%)
  • Cough (13%)
  • Sore throat, runny nose, and other symptoms of the common cold (7-12%)

Other Side Effects

  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting
  • Injury in the arms or legs
  • Stuffy nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain, rash, or irritation at injection site
  • Ear pain, trouble hearing, and other symptoms of an ear infection

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, hives, itching, fast heartbeat, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling in the face or tongue

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fever

Less common or rare

Changes in facial skin color

chills

fast or irregular breathing

nausea

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

sensation of burning, warmth, heat, numbness, tightness, or tingling

skin rash, hives, or itching

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

confusion

cough

deep or fast breathing with dizziness

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

noisy breathing

numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

slow or irregular heartbeat

sweating

swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

Less common

Burning, stinging, or swelling at the injection site

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness

dry mouth or bad taste in the mouth

lack or loss of strength

nosebleed

redness of the face

vomiting

Rare

Change in taste

loss of taste

Incidence not known

Feeling of warmth

increased sweating

irritability

muscle or bone pain

redness of the eye

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

redness of the skin

stomach pain

trouble seeing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Advate (factor VIII)

pharmacist

  • If your provider thinks it's safe for you to use Advate (factor VIII) or any other factor VIII recombinant products at home, make sure that you get the training that you need before you start. Usually, your provider or your home infusion center staff can train and make sure you're comfortable doing your own infusions. If you have any questions, please talk with your provider.

    • Before giving yourself a Advate (factor VIII) or other factor VIII recombinant product infusion, make sure to check your vial of medication to see that it's clear and doesn't have any specks floating in it. If it isn't clear and you notice specks, don't use that vial of medication.

      • If you're giving yourself the infusion, only mix Advate (factor VIII) (or whichever factor VIII recombinant product you're using) when you're ready to give yourself the infusion. Once mixed, these products typically need to be used within 3 hours or less. Please look at your product's package insert to find out the time frame you have to inject your medication.

        • Advate (factor VIII) infusions can cause your pulse rate to rise. Take your pulse before and regularly during your infusion. If your pulse goes up or if you experience any discomforts during the infusion, let your provider know because they might need to slow down your infusions. Also, ask your provider if there is anything that can be done before your next infusion to ease these side effects.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Advate (factor VIII)

          What's the difference between the factor VIII products?
          Some differences between the factor VIII products include how the products are made and how often they're dosed. 1) The older factor VIII products, such as Hemofil M, are made using human plasma. The products carry a risk for causing infection, but this risk is extremely small because manufacturers have high standards in making sure the products are free from any viruses. The newer factor VIII products, such as Advate and Novoeight, are made using no human products, so don't carry the same risk of infection. 2) In addition, the newer factor VIII products are designed to last longer in the body so that you won't need infusions as often. Depending on which brand you use, you might require different numbers of infusions. Speak to your provider about which factor VIII product is best for you.
          How long will my infusion with Advate (factor VIII) take?
          Typically, your Advate (factor VIII) infusion will take 5 minutes or less. If you're using any other factor VIII product, the length of time for your infusion might be different, so please refer to the package insert or ask your provider if you've any questions. In general, the factor VIII infusions are completed in under 15 minutes. Let your provider know if you experience a rise in your pulse or any other reaction while receiving this medication. Depending on the product you're using, provider might be able to ease some side effects by slowing down your infusion.
          How well does Advate (factor VIII) work to prevent bleeds?
          Advate (factor VIII) works well to prevent bleeds. In a study that looked at people who used Advate (factor VIII) regularly for a year to prevent bleeds, 42% of those people didn't experience any bleeds during that year. Your response might be different depending on which brand you receive. But in general, people experience less bleeds when they use factor VIII products regularly to prevent bleeds.
          Can I receive Advate (factor VIII) at home?
          If you're using Advate (factor VIII) or other factor VIII products to prevent bleeding episodes, you might be able to use it at home if your provider thinks it's safe for you to do so. Before giving Advate (factor VIII) to yourself at home, make sure you've completed training with your provider and understand how to use it safely. You'll need to infuse it into your veins yourself, or have a caregiver help you. In some cases, your provider might decide it's best for you to receive treatment at a hemophilia treatment center.
          What's the difference between recombinant and human plasma factor VIII?
          Some factor VIII products are made from donated human plasma (the liquid portion of blood) like Hemofil M and Alphanate, while others are made in a lab using recombinant technology (e.g., Advate, Xyntha, Novoeight). Recombinant products are generally considered safer because they're made in the lab and don't carry the same risk of potential infections from receiving human-derived products. Currently, providers typically prefer recombinant factor VIII products over ones made from human plasma.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Advate (factor VIII)?

          Advate (factor VIII) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Serious allergic reaction

          • Risk factors: Hamster or mouse protein allergy (except for Eloctate and Nuwiq)

            Though rare, serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can happen with Advate (factor VIII) and other factor VIII products. Make sure to tell your provider all of your allergies before receiving treatment. If you experience rash, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat after receiving Advate (factor VIII), get medical help right away.

            risk-warning

            Development of antibodies against FVIII

            There's a chance that Advate (factor VIII) or other factor VIII products will stop working well for you even though it worked well in the beginning. This is because people who receive medications with FVIII can sometimes develop antibodies, also known as inhibitors, against FVIII. The inhibitors block FVIII, causing it to not work well. Let your provider know if bleeding becomes difficult to control even after receiving Advate (factor VIII). They might need to check whether or not you have antibodies and make changes to your treatment.

            dosage

            Advate (factor VIII) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Advate (factor VIII)

            Routine treatment to prevent bleeds in hemophilia A

            Your provider will calculate your dose based on things like age, body weight, and response to the medication. The dose is typically given through your veins (IV), and how often you receive it will depend on the brand.

            • Advate: The typical dose ranges from 20 to 40 International Units (IU)/kg of body weight given IV every other day.

            • Afstyla: The typical dose ranges from 20 IU/kg to 50 IU/kg given IV 2 to 3 times a week.

            • Altuviiio: The typical dose is 50 IU/kg given IV once a week.

            • Eloctate: The typical dose ranges from 25 IU/kg to 65 IU/kg given IV twice weekly to every 4 days.

            • Esperoct: The typical dose ranges from 50 IU/kg to 65 IU/kg given IV twice weekly to every 4 days.

            • Kogenate FS: The typical dose is 25 IU/kg given IV every other day to 3 times a week.

            • Novoeight: The typical dose ranges from 20 IU/kg to 60 IU/kg given IV every other day to 3 times a week.

            • Nuwiq: The typical dose ranges from 30 IU/kg to 50 IU/kg given IV every other day to 3 times a week.

            • Xyntha: The typical dose ranges from 25 IU/kg to 30 IU/kg given IV every other day to 3 times a week.

            To prevent and control bleeds during and after surgery and/or trauma

            Your provider will calculate your dose based on things like body weight, how serious your bleed is, where the bleed is, and the desired level of FVIII in your body. The dose is typically given through your veins (IV), and how often you receive it will depend on the brand.

            interactions

            Interactions between Advate (factor VIII) and other drugs

            Advate (factor VIII) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Advate (factor VIII). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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            contraindications-icon

            Advate (factor VIII) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Advate (factor VIII) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Allergy to hamster protein or any other inactive ingredients

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Advate (factor VIII)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Advate (factor VIII). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Advate (factor VIII)
            Used for:

            • To treat or prevent bleeds in people with hemophilia A

            $1896.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Recombinate (factor VIII)
            Used for:

            • To prevent or treat bleeding in people with hemophilia A

            View Prices
            Hemofil M (factor VIII)
            Used for:

            • To prevent or treat bleeding in people with hemophilia A

            View Prices

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