People with the bleeding disorder von Willebrand Disease (VWD) can travel wherever they please. However, a few simple tips can make traveling even more relaxing.
Before your trip, find out from the Hemophilia/Bleeding Disorder Comprehensive Care Program (Hemophilia Treatment Center) the names, addresses and phone numbers of treatment centers along the route. You should also take along up-to-date written medical information, including:
the exact VWD diagnosis the exact prescription for desmopressin or factor concentrates, or other medication a letter from your physician/treatment center providing a brief explanation of your conditions and the need for this medication the name and phone number of the treatment center where you are known.
These papers could also prove useful when passing through airport security or at border crossings if customs officials become suspicious of the drugs, needles and syringes you are carrying. Make sure your or your family member’s Medic Alert bracelet is up to date. If you, or your family member, self-infuse desmopressin or factor concentrates, make sure you have more than enough for the whole trip. Check that you have all the supplies (needles, syringes…) you need.
If you do not self-infuse, talk to the nurse coordinator at your Hemophilia Treatment Center about the possibility of carrying along a supply of desmopressin or factor concentrate. These products are not available everywhere.
If you do not want to carry these products with you, find out before you leave where they are available.
Make sure you have a cooler to keep the products at the right temperature.
You should also find out if your insurance coverage applies in the province or country you are visiting. If not, take out special travel insurance.
By planning ahead for your trip, you can successfully navigate these common travel issues.
CSL Behring would like to acknowledge the Canadian Hemophilia Society for granting permission to adapt portions of their booklet, “All About von Willebrand Disease,†in developing this article. The complete booklet is available for download at www.hemophilia.ca/en/educational-material/printed-documents
About David Page
David Page is the executive director of the Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS). He has written numerous publications provided by the CHS.
About Humate-P®
This article was provided by Humate-P® (Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor Complex [Human]), CSL Behring’s factor replacement therapy for the treatment of hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease (VWD). Humate-P® is a factor replacement therapy with over 20 years of demonstrated safety and efficacy. For more information, please visit www.Humate-P.com.
Important Safety Information
Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor Complex (Human), Dried, Pasteurized, Humate-P® is indicated in adult patients for treatment and prevention of bleeding in hemophilia A (classical hemophilia). Humate-P® is also indicated in adult and pediatric patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) for (1) treatment of spontaneous and trauma-induced bleeding episodes, and (2) prevention of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. This applies to patients with severe VWD, and patients with mild and moderate VWD for whom use of desmopressin is known or suspected to be inadequate.
Humate-P® is contraindicated in individuals with a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic response to antihemophilic factor or von Willebrand factor preparations or to any of its components.
Thromboembolic events have been reported in VWD patients receiving coagulation factor replacement, especially in the setting of known risk factors for thrombosis. Caution should be exercised and antithrombotic measures considered.
Humate-P® is derived from human plasma. As with all plasma-derived products, the risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.
Although few adverse reactions have been reported the most common are allergic-anaphylactic reactions, including urticaria, chest tightness, rash, pruritus, edema, shock, chills and fever, and hypervolemia. For patients undergoing surgery, the most common adverse reactions are postoperative wound or injection-site bleeding.
Please see the full prescribing information for Humate-P®: .