Managing a bleeding disorder

Successfully managing life with a bleeding disorder takes a combination of preparedness, preventive care, and timely treatment. In this section, learn how to prepare for an emergency, the importance of good dental care, the benefits of physical therapy, and current treatment options for different bleeding disorders.

Treatment overview for bleeding disorders

Factor replacement therapy is the most common treatment for hemophilia, with decades of real-world use and proven efficacy and established safety record.^1,2 Factor therapy replaces the missing blood-clotting proteins that are found naturally in your blood. Since it is administered via an intravenous injection, the proteins are available immediately for use.³ It can be used on-demand, prophylactically, or during surgery.³ Non-factor treatments are also available for some bleeding disorders in certain situations.³ As far as future treatment options, several gene therapies are being studied as potential cures for certain types of hemophilia.⁴

“It’s not like it was back in 1965 when my brother was born. My brother was walking with a cane at nine. My son is nine and he runs, he rides a bike.“ — Athena, parent

Treatment options for bleeding disorders^†

Below are all available treatments for hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and inhibitors to factor therapy.

^† Last updated November 2019

Individualized treatment for bleeding disorders

Since each person responds to treatment differently for a variety of reasons, an analysis of specific symptoms—such as bleeding rates and level of factor in the blood—can help healthcare providers find the right treatment and regimen for a particular person with a bleeding disorder.⁹

Watch 3 moms talk about the importance of treatment and the hope it gives them