Hemophilia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Hemophilia is a disorder that causes you to bleed more or longer than normal. Clotting factors such as platelets and fibrinogen help your body form clots to stop bleeding. The clotting factors in your blood may not work correctly, or your body may not make enough.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Activity:
You may need to rest in bed after a bleeding episode. Use 2 to 3 pillows to raise your upper body and head when you lie down. This may help you breathe more easily. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to get out of bed. Call your healthcare provider before you get up for the first time. If you feel weak or dizzy, sit or lie down right away and call for help.
Intake and output
may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your urine.
Medicines:
- Antifibrinolytic proteins keep blood clots from breaking down. They may be used to stop bleeding in your mouth, nose, or abdomen.
- Desmopressin helps increase the amount of clotting factors in your blood.
- Pain medicine may be needed. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Steroids may be given to decrease swelling in your joints or tissues.
Tests:
- Blood tests are used to check the type and amount of clotting factor you have. Your provider will also test how well your clotting factors and platelets work. You will need to have blood tests more than 1 time because clotting factors change over time.
- X-ray, CT, or MRI pictures may be used to find any bleeding or to check your bones, joints, or tissues. You may be given contrast liquid to help any health problems show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything made of metal. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
Treatment:
- Replacement therapy is used to give blood cells called factor concentrates to replace the missing clotting factor. For severe hemophilia, this treatment may be scheduled 2 or more times each week. You may also need this treatment if you have sudden bleeding. Blood cells may be given through an IV, central venous catheter, or port.
- Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended if your joints or muscles have been damaged from bleeding. A physical therapist will help you exercise your joints and muscles safely. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities.
- Surgery such as arthroplasty may be needed to repair damage caused by bleeding into your joints.
RISKS:
If hemophilia is not treated, you may lose too much blood. You may develop anemia (lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen). Bleeding in your brain, abdomen, chest, neck, or throat can be life-threatening. Heavy blood loss can damage your organs and be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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