People with hemophilia lack blood clotting proteins in their bodies. This makes them bleed excessively in case of injuries and wounds, and the loss of blood can cause dangerous implications if left untreated. Around the world, there are around 400 babies born every year with this condition. In the country, about 20,000 people cope with this condition. Here are some of the popular treatments for hemophilia to know about.
- Replacement therapy
This is one of the best treatments for hemophilia accepted by doctors around the world. This process includes replacing the missing blood clotting factor in the person’s body to reverse the condition and help clot blood normally. This treatment involves injecting these clotting factors into the veins of the patient. There are two types of clotting factors used as injectables – plasma-derived factor concentrates and recombinant factor concentrates. - Desmopressin
This is another commonly accepted treatment for hemophilia and is usually preferred for individuals with milder versions of this condition. This also releases clotting factors into the blood but is available as a nasal spray. - Antifibrinolytic medicines
These medicines help prevent breaking down of blood clots. While these medicines do not work effectively on their own, they can have great results when combined with other treatments. For instance, doctors can opt for replacement therapy along with antifibrinolytic medicines for better clotting. - Fibrin sealants
These are not permanent treatments for hemophilia. However, they are used to stop bleeding and prevent the worst results of the condition. These sealants are applied to the sites of wounds and help to promote clotting and provide quicker healing. - Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid
This is a commonly prescribed medication that is available in the form of pills or liquids. It helps develop a firmer blood clot after an injury or a wound and prevent the clot from breaking-down too. - Gene therapy
This is the latest treatment for hemophilia that doctors are still studying. While this is not a readily available treatment form in hospitals, researchers are very close to replacing faulty genes with modified genes to eliminate the problem completely. - HEMLIBRA
Another approved treatment for hemophilia is HEMLIBRA. This helps bring down instances of bleeding in adults and children. When you keep bleeding, you do not give the medicines time to produce clotting factors. By reducing bleeding episodes, the body has enough time to develop normal clotting factors.
All these treatments for hemophilia help build clotting factors and reduce your chances of excessive bleeding. Your doctor will use one or more of these treatments to help manage your condition. By being aware of the condition and taking the right treatment, hemophilia can be managed quite well. Do not hesitate to get the support of your friends and family to handle the condition.