Alphanate and Symlin

• Generic Name: antihemophilic factor / von willebrand factor
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Alphanate, Humate-P, Wilate, Wilstart, Dried Factor VIII Fraction Type 8Y, Haemate P, Optivate

Antihemophilic and von Willebrand factors are naturally occurring proteins in the blood that help the blood to clot.

A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A. A lack of von Willebrand factor is the cause of von Willebrand disease. Alphanate works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in the blood to aid in clotting.

Alphanate is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in people with von Willebrand disease.

Alphanate is also used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A.

Alphanate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: pramlintide
• Dosage Forms: injection, pen
• Other Brand Names: SymlinPen 120, SymlinPen 60, Symlin

Symlin (pramlintide) is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Pramlintide lowers blood sugar in three ways. It slows the rate that food moves from your stomach to your intestines, which keeps your blood sugar from rising too fast. Symlin also lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) your liver produces. Lastly, pramlintide triggers the feeling of fullness after meals to help control your appetite and decrease how much food you eat.

Symlin is used together with insulin to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Symlin is usually given after other diabetes medicines have been tried without success.