Last update Aug. 24, 2022

Human von Willebrand factor (vWF)

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Human von Willebrand factor is a plasma glycoprotein of 2,050 amino acids that acts as a blood coagulation factor. Vonicog alfa is a recombinant form of human von Willebrand factor. It is used to control bleeding episodes in von Willebrand disease and, along with factor VIII, hemophilia A. Intravenous administration.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

Its very high molecular weigh and its binding to coagulation factor VIII make it highly unlikely that significant quantities will pass into breast milk.

Due to its protein nature, it is inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract, and is not absorbed, (it has virtually no oral bioavailability), which hinders or prevents its transfer from breastmilk to infant, except in premature babies and the immediate neonatal period, when there may be greater intestinal permeability.

Expert authors consider the use of this medication probably compatible during breastfeeding. (Hale). According to the WHO list of essential drugs, coagulation factors with a similar glycoprotein structure and high molecular weight, such as factor II, VII, VIII, IX and X, are compatible with breastfeeding. (WHO 2002)

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Human von Willebrand factor (vWF) is also known as


Human von Willebrand factor (vWF) in other languages or writings:

Group

Human von Willebrand factor (vWF) belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Human von Willebrand factor (vWF) in its composition:

List of 10 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 0 %
Molecular weight 250.000 - 20.000.000 daltons
VD 0.001 l/Kg
T½ 16.5 ± 4.1 hours

References

  1. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Furlan M. Von Willebrand factor: molecular size and functional activity. Ann Hematol. 1996 Abstract
  4. Chavin SI. Factor VIII: structure and function in blood clotting. Am J Hematol. 1984 Abstract
  5. Newman J, Harris RB, Johnson AJ. Molecular weights of antihaemophilic factor and von Willebrand factor proteins in human plasma. Nature. 1976 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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