DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Each bottle of Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI has the AHF(H) content in international units per
bottle stated on the label of the bottle. The reconstituted product must be
administered intravenously by either direct syringe injection or drip infusion.
The product must be administered within 3 hours after reconstitution.
General Approach to Treatment and Assessment of Treatment Efficacy
The dosages described below are presented as general guidance. It should be
emphasized that the dosage of Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI required for hemostasis must be individualized
according to the needs of the patient, the severity of the deficiency, the severity
of the hemorrhage, the presence of inhibitors, and the factor VIII level desired.
It is often critical to follow the course of therapy with factor VIII level
assays.
The clinical effect of Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI is the most important element in evaluating
the effectiveness of treatment. It may be necessary to administer more Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI
than would be estimated in order to attain satisfactory clinical results. If
the calculated dose fails to attain the expected factor VIII levels, or if bleeding
is not controlled after administration of the calculated dosage, the presence
of a circulating inhibitor in the patient should be suspected. Its presence
should be substantiated and the inhibitor level quantitated by appropriate laboratory
tests.
When an inhibitor is present, the dosage requirement for AHF(H) is extremely
variable and the dosage can be determined only by the clinical response. Some
patients with low titer inhibitors, (10 Bethesda Units) can be successfully
treated with factor VIII without a resultant anamnestic rise in inhibitor titer.12
Factor VIII levels and clinical response to treatment must be assessed to insure
adequate response. Use of alternative treatment products, such as Factor IX
Complex concentrates, Antihemophilic Factor (Porcine) or Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant
Complex, may be necessary for patients with high titer inhibitors. Immune tolerance
therapy using repeated doses of FVIII concentrate administered frequently on
a predetermined schedule may result in eradication of the FVIII inhibitor.13,14
Most successful regimens have employed high doses of FVIII administered
at least once daily, but no single dosage regimen has been universally accepted
as the most effective. Consultation with a hemophilia expert experienced with
the management of immune tolerance regimens is also advisable.
Calculation of Dosage
The in vivo percent elevation in factor VIII level can be estimated by multiplying
the dose of AHF(H) per kilogram of body weight (IU/kg) by 2%. This method of
calculation is based on clinical findings by Abildgaard et al,15
and is illustrated in the following examples:
Expected % factor VIII increase = |
# units administered X 2%/IU/kg |
body weight (kg) |
Example for a 70 kg adult: |
1400 IU X 2%/IU/kg |
= 40% |
70kg |
or
Dosage required (IU) = |
body weight (kg) X desired % factor VIII increase |
2%/IU/kg |
Example for a 15 kg child: |
15 kg X 100% |
= 750 IU required |
2%/IU/kg |
The dosage necessary to achieve hemostasis depends upon the type and severity
of the bleeding episode, according to the following general guidelines:
Mild Hemorrhage
Mild superficial or early hemorrhages may respond to a single dose of 10 IU
per kg,4 leading to an in vivo rise of approximately 20% in the factor
VIII level. Therapy need not be repeated unless there is evidence of further
bleeding.
Moderate Hemorrhage
For more serious bleeding episodes (e.g., definite hemarthroses, known trauma),
the factor VIII level should be raised to 30%–50% by administering approximately
15 - 25 IU per kg. If further therapy is required, repeated doses of 10 - 15
IU per kg every 8-12 hours may be given.16
Severe Hemorrhage
In patients with life-threatening bleeding or possible hemorrhage involving
vital structures (e.g., central nervous system, retropharyngeal and retroperitoneal
spaces, iliopsoas sheath), the factor VIII level should be raised to 80% - 100%
of normal in order to achieve hemostasis. This may be achieved in most patients
with an initial AHF [Antihemophilic Factor (Human), Koate (antihemophilic factor) w-DVI] dose of 40-50
IU per kg and a maintenance dose of 20-25 IU per kg every 8-12 hours.17,18 For
major surgical procedures, Factor VIII levels should be checked throughout the
perioperative course to ensure adequate replacement therapy.
Surgery
For major surgical procedures, the factor VIII level should be raised to approximately
100% by giving a preoperative dose of 50 IU/kg. The factor VIII level should
be checked to assure that the expected level is achieved before the patient
goes to surgery. In order to maintain hemostatic levels, repeat infusions may
be necessary every 6 to 12 hours initially, and for a total of 10 to 14 days
until healing is complete. The intensity of factor VIII replacement therapy
required depends on the type of surgery and postoperative regimen employed.
For minor surgical procedures, less intensive treatment schedules may provide
adequate hemostasis.17,18
Prophylaxis
Factor VIII concentrates may also be administered on a regular schedule for
prophylaxis of bleeding, as reported by Nilsson et al.19
Incorrect diagnosis, inappropriate dosage, method of administration, and biological
differences in individual patients, could reduce the efficacy of this product
or even result in an ill effect following its use. It is important that this
product be stored properly, the directions for use be followed carefully during
use, the risk of transmitting viruses be carefully weighed before the product
is prescribed, and that plasma factor VIII levels be measured in initial treatment
situations or if clinical response appears inadequate.
Reconstitution
Vacuum Transfer
Note: Aseptic technique should be carefully followed. All needles and vial
tops that will come into contact with the product to be administered via the
intravenous route should not come in contact with any non-sterile surface. Any
contaminated needles should be discarded by placing in a puncture proof container,
and new equipment should be used.
- After removing all items from the box, warm the sterile water (diluent)
to room temperature (25°C, 77°F).
- Remove shrink band from product vial. If the shrink band is absent or
shows signs of tampering, do not use the product and notify Talecris Biotherapeutics,
Inc. immediately.
- Remove the plastic flip tops from each vial (Fig. A). Cleanse vial tops
(grey stoppers) with alcohol swab and allow surface to dry. After cleaning,
do not allow anything to touch the latex (rubber) stopper.
- Carefully remove the plastic sheath from the short end of the transfer needle.
Insert the exposed needle into the diluent vial to the hub. (Fig. B)
- Carefully grip the sheath of the other end of the transfer needle and twist
to remove it.
- Invert the diluent vial and insert the attached needle into the vial of
concentrate at a 45° angle (Fig. C). This will direct the stream of diluent
against the wall of the concentrate vial and minimize foaming. The vacuum
will draw the diluent into the concentrate vial. **
- Remove the diluent bottle and transfer needle (Fig. D).
- Immediately after adding the diluent, agitate vigorously for 10–15 seconds,
(Fig. E1) then swirl continuously until completely dissolved (Fig. E2). Some
foaming will occur, but attempt to avoid excessive foaming. The vial should
then be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior
to administration.
- Clean the top of the vial of reconstituted Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI again with alcohol
swab and let surface dry.
- Attach the filter needle (from the package) to a sterile syringe. Withdraw
the Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI solution into the syringe through the filter needle (Fig. F).
- Remove the filter needle from the syringe and replace with an appropriate
injection or butterfly needle for administration. Discard filter needle into
a puncture proof container.
- If the same patient is using more than one vial of Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI, the contents
of multiple vials may be drawn into the same syringe through the filter needles
provided.
**If vacuum is lost in the concentrate vial, use a sterile syringe and needle
to remove the sterile water from the diluent vial and inject it into the concentrate
vial, directing the stream of fluid against the wall of the vial.
A number of factors beyond our control could reduce the efficacy of this product
or even result in an ill effect following its use. These include improper storage
and handling of the product after it leaves our hands, diagnosis, dosage, method
of administration, and biological differences in individual patients. Because
of these factors, it is important that this product be stored properly, that
the directions be followed carefully during use, and that the risk of transmitting
viruses be carefully weighed before the product is prescribed.
Rate of Administration
The rate of administration should be adapted to the response of the individual
patient, but administration of the entire dose in 5 to 10 minutes is generally
well-tolerated.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter
and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
HOW SUPPLIED
Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI is supplied in the following single dose bottles with the total units
of factor VIII activity stated on the label of each bottle. A suitable volume
of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, a sterile double-ended transfer needle,
a sterile filter needle, and a sterile administration set are provided.
Approximate Factor VIII
NDC Number |
Activity |
Diluent |
13533-665-20 |
250 IU |
5 mL |
13533-665-30 |
500 IU |
5 mL |
13533-665-50 |
1000 IU |
10 mL |
Storage
Koate (antihemophilic factor) -DVI should be stored under refrigeration (2–8°C; 36–46°F). Storage
of lyophilized powder at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for 6
months, such as in home treatment situations, may be done without loss of factor
VIII activity.
Freezing should be avoided as breakage of the diluent bottle might occur.
REFERENCES
4. Britton M, Harrison J, Abildgaard CF: Early treatment of
hemophilic hemarthroses with minimal dose of new factor VIII concentrate. J
Pediatr 85(2):245–7, 1974.
12. Kasper CK: Complications of hemophilia A treatment: factor
VIII inhibitors. Ann NY Acad Sci 614:97–105, 1991.
13. Mariani G, Hilgartner M, Thompson AR, et al: Immune Tolerance
to Factor VIII: International Registry Data. Adv Exp Med Biol 386:201–8,
1995.
14. DiMichele D: Hemophilia 1996, New Approach to an Old Disease.
Pediatr Clin North Am 43(3):709–35, Jun 1995.
15. Abildgaard CF, Simone JV, Corrigan JJ, et al: Treatment
of hemophilia with glycine-precipitated factor VIII. N Engl J Med 275(9):471–5,
1966.
16. Abildgaard CF: Current concepts in the management of hemophilia.
Semin Hematol 12(3):223–32, 1975.
17. Hilgartner MW: Factor replacement therapy. In: Hilgartner
MW, Pochedly C, eds.: Hemophilia in the child and adult. New York, Raven Press,
1989, pp 1–26.
18. Kasper CK, Dietrich SL: Comprehensive management of haemophilia.
Clin Haematol 14(2):489–512, 1985.
19. Nilsson IM, Berntorp E, Löfqvist T, et al: Twenty-five years' experience
of prophylactic treatment in severe haemophilia A and B. J Intern Med 232(1):25–32,
1992.
Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA. Rev.
September 2006.