Haemophilia

Haemophilia is a rare genetic blood clotting disorder that primarily affects males.

People living with haemophilia do not have enough of, or are missing, one of the blood clotting proteins, known as factors, naturally found in blood. The body depends on these clotting factors to stop bleeding after injury and to promote healing. Fortunately, a full and active life is possible with proper physician-directed treatment.

There are three types of haemophilia: A, B and C.

• Haemophilia A (also called classical haemophilia), in which factor VIII is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing
• Haemophilia B (also called Christmas disease), in which factor IX is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing
• Haemophilia C, in which factor XI is sub-sufficient or missing and is not present in sufficient amounts or is missing

People with haemophilia do not bleed more profusely or faster than others. Instead, they bleed for longer periods of time than someone without haemophilia after getting a cut or bleed internally. Internal bleeding is usually into joints and muscles, but can also occur in the brain or other organs.

While Haemophilia primarily affects men, the genetic condition is carried on the X chromosome. Women who have the gene are called carriers, and can therefore pass the gene on to their children. However, in as many as 30 percent of cases, there is no family history of the disorder. In these cases, the carrier may not be aware that she carries the gene for haemophilia, or a gene mutation may have occurred spontaneously.

For more information, visit Baxter’s UK haemophilia website:

A website created to help educate people leaving with haemophilia and their carers/families about the condition and how to live well with it. The site offers a range of resources, including Baxter programmes, therapies and services that give you the means to effectively manage haemophilia every day

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While there currently is no cure for haemophilia, with proper treatment using factor replacement therapy, people with haemophilia can enjoy a full and active life.

The haemophilia community considers factor replacement therapy to be an effective option. The therapy works by replacing the missing or nonfunctioning clotting protein. When clotting factor is administered after an injury, the body begins to use it immediately to form a clot. This therapy is not a cure for haemophilia, but is a temporary replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of haemophilia.

Baxter’s range of haemophilia therapies allow you to work with a physician to choose the appropriate therapy based on personal needs. You should discuss which factor replacement therapy is best with your physician.

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Baxter is committed to actively listening to and working with you to proactively shape the future of haemophilia by focusing on personalised innovations and solutions that are practical and scientifically sound. We are dedicated to improving current therapies and investing in research to offer new and better ways to manage haemophilia.

The company is making significant investments to educate the community about treatment options and support.

Specifically, the company is:

• Providing patient and clinician education, factor assistance and information to help patients
• Supporting advocacy and expansion of patient access to care, including support of organisations and agencies that advocate for the community on national, regional and local levels
• Offering programs to strengthen and build bonds within the haemophilia community, including grants, educational events, career planning and scholarships