Expect better
Confident protection from hemophilia A
Through medical advances, you can switch from reactive care to proactive, personalized treatment. Are you getting the most out of modern medicine?
Modern goals
The aim of modern hemophilia treatment is to prevent bleeds by keeping factor levels higher and more stable over longer periods of time, protecting joints long‑term. Learn more from our expert.
Our expert:
Shirley Abraham, MD
Director, Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Treatment Center
| Traditional treatment | Modern treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | Prevent major bleeding episodes and treat bleeds after they occur | Prevent all bleeding episodes, including subclinical (“micro”) bleeds, to preserve joint health and quality of life |
| Factor products used | Standard half-life clotting factor concentrates requiring frequent infusions (2-3 times per week) | Extended half-life clotting factor products lasting longer in patients’ systems, requiring fewer doses |
| Personalization of therapy | Usually uniform dosing schedules, standardized across patients | Tailored to how each patient’s body uniquely interacts with medication and lifestyle preferences |
| Stability of factor levels | Factor levels can fluctuate between infusions, increasing bleed risk between doses | Stable factor troughs maintained through extended-acting products, minimizing fluctuations |
Is your care plan meeting its full potential?
Take our assessment to find out, and discuss the results with your doctor.
Dreams matter
Proactive, personalized care plans can fit and enable activity goals that may once have been restricted. Is it time for you to revisit old dreams?
Our patient advocate:
Kris Mill
Hemophilia A patient
“Since seeking out the braces that I wear and starting prophylactic treatment, my quality of life has improved dramatically. I’ve been able to easily enjoy time with friends and family, and be more productive, and get both indoor and outdoor work done around the house. And I even ran my first 5K.”
Kris’ RECLAIMED activities
Ease matters
Regardless of how effective a treatment is, it loses value if it doesn’t realistically fit your lifestyle. If doses are often skipped or the medication delivery method obstructs your activity goals, potential is unfulfilled.
Ask your doctor the following questions to help you decide whether a treatment plan is realistic for you:
- How often would I need to take this treatment, and how flexible is the schedule?
- What would the dosing process look like in everyday life?
- Could this treatment help me spend less time thinking about my hemophilia?
- How might this treatment support the activities and lifestyle that matter most to me?
Doctor discussion guide:
Life-first care planning
Doctor discussion guide:
Building your protection
Worth the talk
As you prepare to discuss treatment plans with your care team, consider this advice:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions and self-advocate.
- Track how symptoms affect your quality of life. Share notes with your care team.
- Tell your doctors about your work and family responsibilities.
- Share your top goals, such as staying active or managing pain.
- Be honest if you don’t think a treatment plan will work for your lifestyle.
Future focus
As you discuss treatment plan desires with your providers, keep in mind this guide’s key tips as you discuss, asking yourself:
- Does our plan match the goals of modern treatment?
- Does the plan help me to fulfill my passions?
- Is the plan realistic for me to stick with?
- Are we approaching this plan as a team?
To learn more about self-advocating for a stronger treatment plan, visit our guide, “Breakthrough: Overcoming hemophilia care obstacles.”
Doctor discussion guide:
Joint care checklist