Hemophilia: Treatment

Factor Replacement Therapy Factor Therapy Complications Inhibitor Treatment

Home Treatment Other Types of Treatment Choosing a Treatment

 

Home Treatment

Both preventive and as-needed replacement therapy can be done at home. Many people learn to do the infusions at home for their child or for themselves. Home treatment has several advantages:

• You or your child can get treatment quicker when bleeding happens. Early treatment means that fewer complications are likely to occur.
• Fewer visits to the doctor or emergency room are needed.
• Home treatment costs less than treatment in a medical care setting.
• Home treatment helps children accept treatment and take responsibility for their own health.

If you’re treating yourself or your child with clotting factors at home, you should take some precautions:

• Follow instructions for storage, preparation and use of clotting factors and treatment materials
• Keep a record of all medical treatment
• Know the signs and symptoms of bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction, and how to respond appropriately
• Have someone with you when you treat yourself
• Know when to call the doctor or 911

Discuss options for home treatment with your doctor or your child’s doctor. A doctor or other healthcare provider can teach you the steps and safety procedures for home treatment. Another valuable resource for learning about home treatment is hemophilia treatment centers.