Factor VIII (medication)

Factor VIII is a medication used to treat and prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A and other causes of low factor VIII. Certain preparations may also be used in those with von Willebrand's disease. It is given by slow injection into a vein.

Factor VIII
A depiction of factor VIII
Clinical data
Trade namesAafact, Kovaltry, others
Other namesoctocog alfa
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
License data
Routes of
administration		Intravenous (IV)
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • AU: S4 (Prescription only)
  • CA: ℞-only / Schedule D
  • US: ℞-only
  • EU: Rx-only
  • In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none

Side effects include skin flushing, shortness of breath, fever, and red blood cell breakdown. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may occur. It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the fetus. A purified factor VIII concentrate is made from human blood plasma. A recombinant version is also available. People may develop antibodies to factor VIII such that this medication becomes less effective.

Factor VIII was first identified in the 1940s and became available as a medication in the 1960s. Recombinant factor VIII was first made in 1984 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1992. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

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