Flexible Storage Options can Impact Daily Use of FVIII Treatments in People with Haemophilia A

          Patient preference data presented today at the 10th Annual Congress of the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) demonstrated the importance of flexible storage on daily use of FVIII treatments in people with haemophilia A. The survey of 200 people found that those who did not store their treatment in the refrigerator felt significantly more satisfied with their treatment, less restricted in daily life when playing sports or travelling, and travelled more often (p<0.01).1

          The respondents fell into two groups; those who stored their FVIII treatment in the refrigerator (85%) and those who stored their FVIII treatment outside of the refrigerator at room temperature (15%). Those who stored their treatment at room temperature travelled significantly more often (16 times per year vs 9 times per year; p<0.01), and felt relaxed using FVIII treatment in their daily lives. Only 19% of this group felt that storing, preparing and mixing FVIII is disruptive to the normal course of the day vs. 35% who store in the fridge p<0.05.2

          Of the respondents who stored their FVIII treatment in the refrigerator, 88% believed it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times and 74% waited an average of 10 minutes for their treatment to reach room temperature before administering it, with 62% stating that the injection with cold FVIII was more unpleasant.2

          "People living with haemophilia A can feel restricted in their daily life based on the misconception that all FVIII treatments must be stored in the refrigerator," said Mariasanta Napolitano, Regional Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, University of Palermo, Italy. "It is important that healthcare professionals communicate to patients that some FVIII products can be used portably and at room temperature, to enable them to go about their daily lives as actively as they wish."

          When asked to rate the relative impact of attributes on product choice, assuming efficacy and safety remained the same, respondents rated the origin of FVIII (plasma derived vs. recombinant) as having the highest impact and room temperature as the second highest impact; yet only a minority are aware that FVIII can be stored without refrigeration.2