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Humate-P: Dual-Potency Quick Guide

Which number to use (VWF:RCo vs FVIII:C), how to dose for VWD vs Hemophilia A, practical tables, and a safe-checks algorithm.

Infographic • Read the Humate-P Label
Humate-P potency infographic Visualization showing that vials list VWF:RCo and FVIII:C, the ratio is about 2.4:1, and which potency to use by indication. Humate-P carton (example) VWF:RCo (IU) 1200 FVIII:C (IU) 500 Approximate ratio VWF:RCo : FVIII ≈ 2.4 : 1 Quick Rule VWD → Dose by VWF:RCo Hemophilia A → Dose by FVIII:C Safety note Repeated VWF dosing can raise FVIII; monitor to avoid excessive FVIII levels during periop courses. Always match the IU to the intended potency basis on the order before dispensing.
The vial families commonly maintain VWF:RCo to FVIII:C ≈ 2.4:1 (e.g., 600/250, 1200/500, 2400/1000 IU). Use the potency that matches the indication. "FVIII IU" on the vial corresponds to the factor VIII activity, which is the same as FVIII:C (Factor VIII coagulant activity)
Algorithm • Picking the Correct Potency & Monitoring
Step 1

Confirm Indication

  • VWD (on-demand, perioperative, or prophylaxis)
  • Hemophilia A (situations where Humate-P is chosen vs pure FVIII)
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Step 2

Select Dosing Metric

  • VWD → VWF:RCo IU
  • Hemophilia A → FVIII:C IU
Indication-driven dosing is essential to avoid under/over-dosing.
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Step 3

Calculate Dose (see tables below)

  • VWD (periop): target VWF:RCo by procedure; IVR-guided or use standard IVR assumption if unknown.
  • Hemophilia A: weight-based FVIII:C targets by bleed severity.
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Step 4

Plan Monitoring & Safety

  • For VWD periop: monitor both VWF:RCo and FVIII:C; watch for FVIII accumulation with repeated dosing.
  • For Hemophilia A: monitor FVIII:C to target; adjust by response.
VWD Perioperative Dosing (Dose by VWF:RCo)
Procedure Target Pre-op VWF:RCo Maintenance Target Typical Duration Maintenance Frequency
Major surgery ~100 IU/dL Maintain ≥50 IU/dL > 4 days (per procedure) ~½ of loading dose q8–12h (titrate by levels)
Minor surgery ~50–60 IU/dL Maintain ≥50 IU/dL ~2–4 days ~½ of loading dose q8–12h (titrate by levels)
Loading dose (when IVR known): (Target − Baseline) × Weight (kg) ÷ IVR = IU VWF:RCo. If IVR unknown: use 2.0 IU/dL per IU/kg as a starting assumption and adjust with levels.
Repeated VWF dosing can increase FVIII—monitor FVIII:C during courses to avoid supratherapeutic levels.
VWD (VWF:RCo) Dose Calculator
Required loading dose:
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IU (VWF:RCo)
Suggested vials (selected family):
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vial(s)
Typical maintenance (start point):
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IU q8–12h (≈½ of loading; titrate by levels)
Formula: (Target − Baseline) × kg ÷ IVR. Floors negative deltas to 0. Round vials up. Always confirm with labs and local policy.
Hemophilia A (Dose by FVIII:C)
Severity / Setting Initial FVIII:C Target Starting Dose (IU/kg) Maintenance Concept
Minor bleed ~30% ~15 IU/kg Often single infusion; re-dose per response
Moderate bleed ~50% ~25 IU/kg Maintain ~30% for several days as needed
Life-threatening ~80–100% ~40–50 IU/kg Maintain high levels ~7 days, then de-escalate
Rule of thumb: ~1 IU/kg FVIII raises plasma FVIII:C by ~2 IU/dL. Select Humate-P for Hemophilia A only when the VWF component is advantageous; dose strictly by FVIII:C content (not VWF:RCo).
Clinical Pearls
  • Match the metric to diagnosis: VWD → VWF:RCo; Hemophilia A → FVIII:C.
  • Label trap: VWF:RCo is typically higher than FVIII:C on a vial. Don’t swap columns.
  • Periop VWD: IVR-guided dosing gives tighter control; if no IVR, use 2.0 IU/dL per IU/kg as a starting assumption and titrate to levels.
  • Safety: monitor both VWF:RCo and FVIII:C during courses; watch for FVIII accumulation with repeated dosing.
  • Product context: know when a pure FVIII product is preferred vs a VWF/FVIII complex.
References
  1. How Factor VIII Products Differ
  2. Understanding Humate-P Potency Values
  3. Humate-P Potency Units: Getting the Numbers Right
  4. Humate-P Precribing Information
Teaching reference. Always individualize therapy to patient, indication, and monitored levels.