Hemophilia: Treatment

Factor Replacement Therapy Factor Therapy Complications Inhibitor Treatment

Home Treatment Other Types of Treatment Choosing a Treatment

 

Choosing a Treatment

The type of treatment you or your child receives depends on several things, including how severe the hemophilia is, what activities you will be doing and what dental or medical procedures you might have.

Mild Hemophilia

Replacement therapy isn’t usually needed for mild hemophilia. But DDAVP is sometimes given to raise the body’s levels of factor VIII.

Moderate Hemophilia

You may need replacement therapy only when bleeding occurs or to prevent bleeding that could occur when participating in some activity. DDAVP is another treatment option on occasion, prior to having a procedure or doing an activity that increases the risk of bleeding.

Severe Hemophilia

You usually need replacement therapy to prevent bleeding that could cause permanent damage to your joints, muscles or other parts of the body. Typically, replacement therapy is given at home two or three times a week. It may be needed on a long-term basis or just for short periods when you expect to do an activity that might increase your risk of bleeding. However, some people with severe hemophilia receive treatment only when bleeding occurs.

For all types of hemophilia, getting treatment quickly for bleeding to limit damage is important. Learn to recognize signs of bleeding. Family members also should learn to watch for signs of bleeding in a child with hemophilia. Children sometimes ignore signs of bleeding because they want to avoid the discomfort of treatment