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THE BASA FAMILY

Living on the Front Lines of von Willebrand Disease (VWD) for More than 15 Years

Deb and Tony Basa and their son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with Type 2a severe VWD at age 3, share their experience with VWD. Now 18, Andrew switched to wilate 6 years ago.

n Andrew switched to wilate as part of a clinical trial (in conjunction with knee surgery). Since the switch, Andrew has been effectively managing his VWD. All of his treatments are done at home, where he has learned to self-infuse.

n Andrew’s parents describe major improvements in his condition. “Before wilate, it was as if Andrew’s life was on hold. We feel like wilate was made for him.” Andrew agrees: “Since making the switch, I don’t feel held back by my condition.” Tony adds that he wishes wilate had been an option when Andrew was diagnosed. “Our doctor told us, if wilate was around when Andrew was 3, he would have started on wilate from the beginning—just for the 1:1 ratio of VWF:FVIII.”

n The Basas also enrolled in the Co-pay Assistance Program, which can help on out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment—up to $12,000 each year.

The Basas Today |

Educating and Empowering the Community About VWD

Since switching to wilate, Andrew is a totally different kid. He’s confident and unafraid. He feels protected—and generally just feels better. “

n The Basas are actively involved in the VWD community. Tony is also a Patient Educator for Octapharma, educating patients and doctors about factor products. “We are constantly engaging other families,” Deb says. “I have served as moderator on talks about VWD and wilate. I get to meet all of the new families that are diagnosed with VWD, talk about the challenges of VWD—and how to get through them. That experience has been priceless to us.”

n Andrew is also directly involved in his treatment. For years, he has presented his own Individualized Education Plan (or IEP) to the principal and educators at his high school. The IEP establishes important guidelines to accommodate his condition, such as modified physical education classes, instructions for field trips, and having a refrigerator at school for storing wilate and other medications. Andrew recommends that families living with VWD get involved in their treatment, and points to Octapharma’s comprehensive support network. “From the first day we started wilate, the Octapharma team has been right by our side. We are proud to be a part of it.”

Indications and Usage

wilate® is a von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) indicated in children and adults with von Willebrand disease for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes, and for perioperative management of bleeding. wilate is also indicated in adolescents and adults with hemophilia A for routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes, and for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes.

Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information. Please see other side for Important Safety Information.

Why Switch to wilate for Your VWD Treatment?

Here’s What Makes wilate Different From Other Treatments

The Power of Balance

wilate is a balanced formulation with a 1:1 ratio of VWF:FVIII—this is similar to the ratio of VWF and FVIII found naturally in the body1-3

Bleeding Control with Low Recommended Dosing

wilate provided effective control of major and minor bleeding with low recommended loading and maintenance dosing*

Low Risk of FVIII Accumulation

Your levels of FVIII may increase when repeat doses of VWF/FVIII products are given, such as before and after surgery, possibly leading to FVIII accumulation.4 FVIII accumulation can increase the risk of a blood clot, also called a venous thromboembolism (VTE)

n With wilate: There was no accumulation of FVIII observed after repeat dosing in VWD patients undergoing surgery4

n With Humate-P: FVIII levels may increase after repeat dosing in surgery, potentially increasing the risk of FVIII accumulation5

A High-Purity VWF/FVIII Complex

wilate’s advanced purification process minimizes impurities and may help reduce the risk of side effects1

Co-pay Assistance & Reimbursement

The Octapharma Co-pay Assistance Program can provide eligible patients with significant savings on some of the costs associated with your treatment. If you’re currently using wilate, or if you’re about to begin therapy, our Co-pay Assistance Program can offer savings up to $12,000 per calendar year on the out-of-pocket costs associated with your therapy.

Call the Octapharma Support Center at 1.800.554.4440 to find out if you are eligible.

*Based on the Recommended Dosing Guide for wilate. See Dosage and Administration, section 2.1 of full Prescribing Information.

Important Safety Information

wilate® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic or severe systemic reactions to human plasma-derived products, any ingredient in the formulation, or components of the container. wilate is made from human plasma and carries the risk of transmitting infectious agents.

The most serious adverse reactions to treatment with wilate in patients with VWD were hypersensitivity reactions. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) in patients with VWD were hypersensitivity reactions, urticaria, and dizziness. Seroconversions for antibodies to parvovirus B19 not accompanied by clinical signs of disease have been observed. Monitor plasma levels of FVIII activity to avoid sustained excessive FVIII levels, which may increase the risk of thromboembolic events. Development of neutralizing antibodies to FVIII and to VWF, especially in VWD type 3 patients, may occur.

Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.

References: 1. wilate®, von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) full prescribing information. Hoboken, NJ: Octapharma; rev 2019. 2. Stadler M, et al. Biologicals. 2006;34:281-288. 3. Berntorp E, et al. Haemophilia. 2009;15:122-130. 4. Srivastava A, et al. Haemophilia. 2017;23(2):264-272. 5. Lethagen S, et al. J Thromb Haemost. 2007;5:1420-143.