Safe, Purified Products from Human Blood
Plasma-derived products are made from human blood which is donated by healthy volunteers. This blood is separated into its components which are then purified to remove any potential viruses. In the US, products created this way are considered to be safe.
Products available in the US contain a mixture of both von Willebrand factor and factor VIII (FVIII), although the ratio can vary between products. As many patients with low von Willebrand factor levels also have low FVIII levels, providing both is helpful. A healthcare provider at IHTC can help you decide which product is best for your or your child’s situation.
These concentrates are provided as a powder (in a vial) which is dissolved in a liquid (also provided) and then injected into a vein. Plasma-derived concentrates are most often used by patients:
- With types 2 or 3 von Willebrand disease
- With type 1 von Willebrand disease who has severe bleeding
- Who are unresponsive to desmopressin
- Who are undergoing major surgical procedures