Friday, August 03, 2018 by Zoey Sky
Alphanate is a combination medicine that is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in patients who have von Willebrand disease. The drug is also used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia A.
Antihemophilic and von Willebrand factors are proteins that naturally occur in the blood. They also allow blood to clot. If a patient lacks antihemophilic factor VIII, they will develop hemophilia A.
The drug Alphanate helps to temporarily raise the levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in the blood so that it can clot.
Alphanate’s generic name is antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex. The drug is also known by the brand names Humate-P and Wilate.
Known health risks or side effects of Alphanate
Alphanate may cause common side effects such as:
- Chills
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Irritation, stinging or swelling where the injection was given
- Itching or skin rash
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Swelling in the hands or feet
You may need immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:
- Black, bloody, or tarry stools
- Bleeding from a wound/where the medicine was injected
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Easy bruising and increased bleeding episodes
- Low fever accompanied by skin rash, and joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- A sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with balance, speech, or vision
- Clay-colored stools, dark urine, itching, jaundice/yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, and upper stomach pain
List of organs that might be affected by Alphanate
An overdose of Alphanate may cause an allergic reaction, which can result in the following side effects:
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling like you’re going to pass out
- Hives
- Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing
Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Alphanate
The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Alphanate:
- Almonds – If you have a headache, eat a handful of almonds. These nuts are rich in an amino acid called tryptophan which helps release serotonin, the “feel-good brain chemical.”
- Bananas – Bananas can help soothe a headache because they contain magnesium that helps relax the blood vessels.
- Potatoes – Eating potatoes with their skin can also help relieve a headache. Potato skin contains potassium which can help restore electrolyte balance. This will treat a headache caused by dehydration.
- Yogurt – Rich in calcium, yogurt can also help treat a headache. Low calcium levels can cause severe headaches, so have some plain and zero percent fat Greek yogurt.
Treatment and management options for the side effects of Alphanate
The following foods and remedies can help prevent the side effects associated with Alphanate:
- Applesauce – Applesauce is a mild food to eat, and it can help ease nausea. If you feel better after eating applesauce, you can start to eat other foods after at least 48 hours. Try to eat applesauce either cold or at room temperature. You can combine it with other bland foods like plain bread so you can keep your strength up even if you’re nauseous.
- Bland food – Bland foods, like organic saltine crackers, are easy to digest. Eat some crackers if you feel nauseous. If you don’t have crackers, eat other bland foods such as dry toast, plain bread, plain baked potatoes, rice, or unsweetened cereal.
Where to learn more
Summary
Alphanate is a combination medicine that is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in patients who have von Willebrand disease. The drug is also used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia A.
Alphanate may cause common side effects such as chills, constipation, and dizziness.
An overdose of Alphanate may cause an allergic reaction.
Almonds, bananas, potatoes, and yogurt have similar effects to Alphanate.
Applesauce, bland food, and cucumber masks can help prevent the side effects associated with Alphanate.
Sources include:
Drugs.com
EMedicineHealth.com
ActiveBeat.com
Livestrong.com