It’s truly a new era in bleeding disorders with new products, new therapies and new indications. Octapharma’s wilate just got approval for indication in adults and adolescents with hemophilia A; previously it was indicated only for VWD. With this news, I realized that we should remind everyone to know what product they use, where it comes from, and why they are using it.
Who chose your product? Was it your hematologist? Did you have any input? You should, and this means bearing the responsibility to read about products, as questions about them and be part of the decision making process.
Back in 1990, when Raising a Child with Hemophilia was first published, we were the first ones to describe parents and patients as consumers, and to treat products like any other commercial product you would buy. We provided the question to ask your doctor, and we explained the different manufacturing processes, and the difference between safety and purity. And we urged parents not to be passive in the treatment process but to help make medical decisions.
It’s more important now than ever. We have a dazzling choice of products, and novel therapies like Hemlibra. Maybe there’s no reason for you to switch products, but you might want to get up to speed on what’s available. Please note: all US FDA-approved products are considered safe and efficacious.
We’ve been writing about products and product choice for decades. I hope you read up on them and be prepared! To help you, we created a chart of products that you can download. Take it to the HTC with you and discuss with your hematologist about choice. You can download it right from our home page or go here.
We also have a chart for VWD products too!
We did our part. Now do yours; know your product, manufacturer, and why you use it. Keep learning… more therapy choices are coming!