Parents &
Carers
Other treatments
Apart from treatment with factors, there are some other therapies that can improve the symptoms of haemophilia.
With mild haemophilia there is less likelihood that you will have a ‘spontaneous' bleed and there only tend to be problems when undergoing surgery or with more serious injuries. A drug called DDAVP can be given, which is very similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. This chemical releases factor VIII from where it is stored in the body and can last in the blood for a few days.
The injection of DDAVP can be given the day of an operation or should an accident occur. More recently it has been prepared in a nasal spray that is really useful for treating nosebleeds or gum bleeds.
However, this treatment only works for haemophilia A as it specifically releases factor VIII from storage sites in the body. In addition, not all patients with haemophilia A respond to DDAVP and a child or adult needs a test dose to measure their response. This treatment is also unsuitable for children who are less than two years old.
Another useful treatment for people with haemophilia can be tranexamic acid. This prevents clots from being broken down by the body and, again, can be really useful for nosebleeds or gum bleeds.
People with haemophilia cannot be given certain medications for other illnesses since they can make a bleed more difficult to control or can cause more 'spontaneous' bleeds. These include certain widely available painkillers and it is important to know which treatments can be given to relieve pain.
See below for a list of some of the types of medication that should not normally be taken
(for additional information speak to your treatment centre):
- Certain painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and aspirin
- Heparin (although can be given if required under medical supervision)
- Warfarin (although can be given if required under medical supervision)
