Hemophilia Patient Guide

HELPFUL TIPS AND HINTS Vaccinations and shots may be given under the skin instead of into muscles so as not to start a bleed. Talk to your family doctor about the hemophilia diagnosis. A hematologist should be consulted prior to the administration of any shots.

Routine dental visits will help reduce future problems with teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist about hemophilia. It may be beneficial to use clotting factor medication prior to dental work to prevent bleeds. A hematologist should be consulted before starting dental work.

Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group is a national provider of specialty pharmacy and home infusion services, experienced in the treatment of hemophilia and related bleeding disorders.

Contact your Diplomat representative today to learn more about how our infusion therapy programs might benefit you.

In the event that an operation is needed, the doctor and surgeon should be informed about hemophilia. A hematologist should be consulted prior to any surgical procedures.

Prevention and understanding are very important to maintaining good health with hemophilia. If you have hemophilia, an annual checkup at a hemophilia treatment center may be beneficial in addition to routine health care.

During this evaluation, trained specialists will ask for information and perform tests needed to keep your medical records up to date. This yearly visit will also help determine if any changes in medication are needed.

7167 E. Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45249 Phone: 866.442.4679 Fax: 877.588.8470 diplomat.is/specialtyinfusion

The information contained herein may not be construed as medical advice. It is for educational purposes only. Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. takes no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information contained herein, nor the claims or statements of any manufacturer.

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HEMOPHILIA Patient Guide

What is hemophilia?

Types of hemophilia

Treatment for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder inherited at birth. Individuals with hemophilia have difficulty stopping bleeds, as their blood does not clot normally.

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Hemophilia A, also known as classic hemophilia, is caused by missing or defective factor VIII, a specific clotting protein.

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Small cuts and bruises should be cleaned and covered with a bandage.

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Hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease, is caused by missing or defective factor IX, a specific clotting protein.

Bleeds inside the body need to be treated with the administration of clotting factor.

Treatment might need to continue for several days, or until the bleeding stops.

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Hemophilia C is caused by a deficiency in factor XI, a specific clotting protein. It is different from hemophilia A and B, as it does not lead to bleeding into the joints and affects both men and women.

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For patients more prone to bleeds, prophylactic treatment might be necessary in addition to on-demand treatment.

A person with hemophilia lacks a sufficient amount of a certain protein, known as clotting factor. If the clotting factor is lacking, clotting occurs much more slowly and may not happen at all. This makes it difficult to stop bleeding.

Hemophilia can occur in families with no known prior history of the disease.

Types of bleeds •

Cuts and scrapes: easily seen on the surface of the skin

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Bruises: bleeding under the skin

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Soft tissue bleeds: includes mouth bleeds, nosebleeds and heavy menstrual periods

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Internal bleeds: cannot be seen on the skin at all and may take place in joints, muscles or organs. Bleeds in the head or organs should be taken very seriously, as they can be life-threatening.

Signs of an internal bleed Joints like knees, elbows or ankles might swell and start to feel warm and tingly. These sensations can progress to pain. Joints might start to feel stiff and be hard to move, which can mean blood is flowing into the joint.

Muscle bleeds might feel tight or hard to move.

It’s important to immobilize the area, as it is very easy to continue to reaggravate a muscle bleed. When a bleed is identified, seek treatment immediately.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Our staff is on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are here for you—to listen, to help and to make managing a bleeding disorder a bit easier.

Phone: 866.442.4679 Fax: 877.588.8470 diplomat.is/specialtyinfusion