Hemophilia

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic blood clotting disorder that primarily affects males.

People living with hemophilia do not have enough of, or are missing, one of the blood clotting proteins, known as factors, naturally found in blood. The body depends on these clotting factors to stop bleeding after injury and to promote healing. Fortunately, a full and active life is possible with proper physician-directed treatment.

There are three types of hemophilia.

• Hemophilia A (also called classical hemophilia), in which factor VIII is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing
• Hemophilia B (also called Christmas disease), in which factor IX is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing
• Hemophilia C, in which factor XI is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing

People with hemophilia do not bleed more profusely or faster than others. Instead, they bleed for longer periods of time than someone without hemophilia after getting a cut or bleed internally. Internal bleeding is usually into joints and muscles, but can also occur in the brain or other organs.

While Hemophilia primarily affects men, the genetic condition is carried on the X chromosome. Women who have the gene are called carriers, and can therefore pass the gene on to their children. However, in as many as 30 percent of cases, there is no family history of the disorder.² In these cases, the carrier may not be aware that she carries the gene for hemophilia, or a gene mutation may have occurred spontaneously.

• Top

While there currently is no cure for hemophilia, with proper treatment using factor replacement therapy, people with hemophilia can enjoy a full and active life.

The hemophilia community considers factor replacement therapy to be a safe and effective option. The therapy works by replacing the missing or nonfunctioning clotting protein. When clotting factor is administered after an injury, the body begins to use it immediately to form a clot. This therapy is not a cure for hemophilia A, but is a temporary replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of hemophilia.

Baxter’s range of hemophilia therapies allow you to work with a physician to choose the appropriate therapy based on personal needs. You should discuss which factor replacement therapy is best with your physician.

• Top

Baxter is committed to actively listening to and working with you to proactively shape the future of hemophilia by focusing on personalized innovations and solutions that are practical and scientifically savvy. We are dedicated to improving current therapies and investing in research to offer new and better ways to manage hemophilia.

The company is making significant investments to educate the community about treatment options and support.

Specifically, the company is:

• Providing patient and clinician education
• Supporting advocacy and expansion of patient access to care, including support of organizations and agencies that advocate for the community on national, provincial and local levels
• Advancing its portfolio through new therapies to address unmet market needs

^{1. Frequently Asked Questions About Hemophilia. World Federation of Hemophilia. Accessed on: 23 November 2009. Available at: http://www.wfh.org/2/1/1_1_1_FAQ.htm}

^{2. Hemophilia A. National Hemophilia Foundation. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx}

• Top