Parents &
Carers
When to have treatment
Haemophilia A and B are treated by replacing the missing clotting factor (VIII for haemophilia A and IX for haemophilia B) via an injection into a vein (intravenous injection).
There are several treatment regimens for people with haemophilia to receive factor. Their physician will help parents/carers determine which method best meets their needs. Whichever method they are using, the most important thing is to follow the treatment plan carefully and faithfully.
Treatment can be:
- 'on-demand' - provided once a bleed has started (click here for more information)
- 'prophylactic' - provided to prevent bleeds starting in the first place (click here for more information)
A medical team of haematologists, nurses, consultants, specialists, physiotherapists and others can help parents recognise internal bleeding and, therefore, when to treat with factor (click here for more information ).
Remember! Putting off treatment can cause damage to the joints.
If they experience bleeds fairly frequently, they may need preventative treatment (prophylaxis) with clotting factor to stop bleeds happening in the first place (click here for more information). The level of prophylaxis required can vary from patient to patient, depending on a variety of factors (including severity of haemophilia, age and lifestyle).
