von Willebrand factor, recombinant

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The recombinant Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a medication used to treat bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). 

VWF, recombinant, is a synthetic version of the VWF protein produced through genetic engineering. It works by replacing the missing or defective VWF in patients with VWD, enhancing their ability to form blood clots and control bleeding. 

VWF recombinant is effective in treating both types of VWD: type 1, which is a partial deficiency of VWF, and type 2, which is a qualitative defect of VWF. It is also used to treat some cases of type 3 VWD, a complete deficiency of VWF. 

VWF, recombinant, is administered as an intravenous infusion, which means it is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

<1% 

Nausea 

Tachycardia 

Chest discomfort 

Hot flush 

Generalized pruritis 

Tremor 

Increased heart rate 

Dysgeusia 

Dizziness 

Hypertension 

Hot flush 

Infusion site paresthesia 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity: VWF, recombinant, should not be used in patients who are allergic to the medication or any of its components. 
• Presence of anaphylaxis: VWF, recombinant should not be used to treat an acute episode of anaphylaxis. 

Cautions: 

• Thrombotic events: VWF, recombinant may increase the risk of thrombotic events (i.e., blood clots), especially in patients with known risk factors such as a history of blood clots, older age, or cardiovascular disease.  
• Cardiac disease: VWF, recombinant, should be used cautiously in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or conditions. It increases the risk of cardiovascular events. 
• Use during pregnancy: The safety of VWF recombinant has not been established in pregnant women. It should be used only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. 
• Use during breastfeeding: Whether VWF or recombinant is excreted in breast milk is unknown. Caution should be taken when administering the medication to nursing mothers. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the use of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the secretion of the drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) recombinant is a synthetic version of the VWF protein produced through genetic engineering. It mimics the natural VWF protein, which is crucial in blood clotting. 

VWF recombinant works by binding to and stabilizing platelets. This enhances the ability of the platelets to aggregate and adhere to damaged blood vessels, promoting the formation of a stable blood clot. VWF, recombinant, also carries and protects clotting factor VIII, another vital protein for blood clotting. 

VWF, recombinant, is administered as an intravenous infusion, which means it is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. It has a rapid onset of action, with peak effects seen within 30 minutes of administration. The duration of action is variable and depends on the individual patient’s response to the medication. 

VWF, recombinant, is primarily used to treat bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). It effectively treats both types of VWD: type 1, which is a partial deficiency of VWF, and type 2, which is a qualitative defect of VWF. It is also used to treat some cases of type 3 VWD, a complete deficiency of VWF. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of von Willebrand factor (VWF) recombinant involves interacting with various components of the blood clotting cascade, forming stable blood clots. 

VWF, recombinant binds to platelets through its A1 domain, which promotes platelet aggregation and adhesion to the site of vascular injury. This allows the platelets to form a plug and prevent further bleeding. VWF, recombinant, also binds to and protects clotting factor VIII, which is essential for forming fibrin, a protein that stabilizes the blood clot. 

The pharmacodynamics of VWF recombinant is dose-dependent, with higher doses leading to more rapid and sustained hemostatic effects. The duration of action is variable and depends on the individual patient’s response to the medication. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The area under the curve (for 0-inf) is 1541.4-2939 hr·U/dL 

Elimination and Excretion 

The rate of clearance is 0.03-0.04 dL/kg/hr 

The half-life is 49.3-22.6 hours 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) recombinant is administered as an intravenous infusion, delivering it directly into the bloodstream through a vein. 

The dosage of VWF, recombinant, is based on the patient’s weight, severity of bleeding, and response to the medication. The medication may be given as a single dose or a series of doses over time, depending on the severity and duration of the bleeding episode. 

Before administering VWF recombinant, the healthcare provider will assess the patient’s medical history, including any allergies or previous reactions to the medication. The medication should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to VWF, recombinant, or its components. 

The infusion rate of VWF, recombinant, should be based on the patient’s tolerance and response to the medication and should not exceed the recommended rate. The healthcare provider should monitor the patient during and after the infusion for any adverse reactions, including allergic reactions, thrombotic events, or other side effects. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: Von Willebrand factor (recombinant) 

Pronounced: von-WIL-e-brand-FAK-tor 

Why do we use Von Willebrand factor (recombinant) 

The recombinant Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is used to treat bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of VWF. 

VWF plays a crucial role in blood clotting by binding to and stabilizing platelets, which are small blood cells that help to form blood clots—in patients with VWD, the deficient or dysfunctional VWF results in impaired platelet function and reduced ability to form stable blood clots, leading to increased bleeding and bruising. 

VWF recombinant works by replacing the missing or defective VWF in patients with VWD, enhancing the ability of the platelets to aggregate and adhere to damaged blood vessels, and promoting the formation of a stable blood clot. VWF, recombinant, also carries and protects clotting factor VIII, another protein that is important for blood clotting.