Prophylaxis & sport
Treating haemophilia
Treatment in haemophilia involves replacing the clotting factor that is missing in the blood (factor VIII for haemophilia A and factor IX for haemophilia B). This raises the level of clotting factor to a near normal level. The treatment offers the best cover for the first eight hours after it has been given.
Because the clotting factors are large molecules, they cannot be taken by mouth or by injecting them just under the skin. Instead they have to be given into a vein, by intravenous injection.
Treatment in haemophilia is often given when bleeding has started or when the doctor knows that clotting factor replacement will be needed, such as before surgery. This is known as treatment ‘on demand'.
Recently however, doctors have started prescribing clotting factor replacement to young people on a regular basis to try to prevent bleeds from starting in the first place. The goal is to ensure that joints and muscles are less likely to be damaged in the future. This preventative type of treatment is known as prophylaxis.
Prophylaxis can, at the very least, convert severe haemophilia into a milder form. Prophylaxis involves replacing the missing clotting factor in the blood at regular intervals to prevent bleeding. In haemophilia A, clotting factor concentrate is given three times a week. In haemophilia B, it is given twice a week (or more frequently if necessary).
The goal is to keep the levels of factor VIII or IX in the blood high enough so that bleeding does not occur. This is especially important in severe haemophilia when people suffer from spontaneous bleeds.
Prophylaxis and your sporting schedule
Taking prophylactic treatment just before taking part in sports can help to prevent bleeds, preserve joint and muscle function, and prevent damage later in life.
It may help to plan your prophylaxis treatment plan around when you participate in sports. For example, if you usually have prophylaxis on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but you play football on Saturday, then speak to someone in your haemophilia centre. Ask if you could change your prophylaxis to Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; this will help ensure that your clotting factor level remains high whilst you play football.
Do not change your treatment regimen without first consulting your doctor.
For more information speak to your doctor at your haemophilia centre.
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