How does Hemlibra work?
Hemlibra creates a bridge
Hemlibra doesn’t try to replace factor VIII. Instead, Hemlibra creates a bridge between factor IXa and factor X, that you do have in your blood.
By creating this bridge Hemlibra allows the rest of the clotting factors to continue working together to form a clot.
Hemlibra is only taken to prevent bleeding. If you have a bleed you might still need factor VIII replacement therapy.
what if i have a bleedFind out more about Hemlibra and the clotting cascade
The science part
After the initial four loading doses of 3.0 mg/kg once a week, you will take Hemlibra once every week, once every 2 weeks, or once every 4 weeks, depending on the schedule you and your haemophilia team have decided on.
Hemlibra levels remain stable between doses. This means that you do not need to take additional doses of Hemlibra or factor VIII replacement therapy to cover activities such as playing sport.
Factor VIII levels after IV administration
(adapted from Castaman G, Linari S. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2018; 14: 143-151)
Note: This graph illustrates the differences in peaks and troughs of FVIII replacement therapies. It does not represent any specific products and is not representative of all FVIII replacement products.
Note: This graph illustrates the differences in peaks and troughs of FVIII replacement therapies. It does not represent any specific products and is not representative of all FVIII replacement products.
Factor VIII replacement therapy
With factor VIII replacement therapy, the level of factor VIII rises quickly after infusion and then decreases, as shown by the peaks and troughs on the graph. This means that if you were taking factor VIII replacement therapy regularly, you may have needed to take additional doses, for example if you were playing sport.
