Clotting Factor Deficiencies: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Clotting factors are substances in the blood that help stop bleeding after a cut or injury. They also prevent sudden bleeding. In people who have clotting factor problems, the clotting factors don't work right or, in some cases, are missing. When blood does not clot well, even minor injuries can cause serious bleeding. This can lead to blood loss, injury to internal organs, or damage to muscles or joints.

Several conditions, including hemophilia, can make it hard for the blood to clot. Your doctor can treat you by giving you replacement clotting factors. You also may take medicine to prevent bleeding. You may often have clotting factors transfused into a vein to prevent bleeding, or you may get them as needed. You may eventually learn to do this at home. You can also try to prevent injuries that can cause you to bleed.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Stay at a healthy body weight. If you are overweight, the additional stress on joints can trigger bleeding.
• Exercise safely. Avoid contact sports. Swim or walk to avoid excess pressure on your joints. Check with your doctor before doing activities that put you at high risk for falls, such as riding a bike.
• Brush and floss your teeth daily. This may help you avoid problems that could lead to having a tooth pulled.
• Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). They can increase the chance of bleeding.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Take care to prevent accidents at home:
  • Make sure rugs are tacked down so you do not slip.
  • Keep furniture with sharp edges out of pathways.
  • Use nonskid floor wax.
  • Wipe up spills quickly.
  • If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, sprinkle salt on steps and sidewalks.
  • Avoid loose-fitting shoes. You might lose your balance and fall.
• Wear medical alert jewelry that lists your clotting problem. You can buy this at most drugstores.