How is von Willebrand Disease Treated?
Your doctor will decide what treatment you need, based on the type of VWD you have and how severe it is. Most cases of von Willebrand disease are mild, and you may need treatment only if you have surgery, tooth extraction, or an accident. Treatments for von Willebrand disease include medicines to: • Increase release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII into the bloodstream. • Replace von Willebrand factor. • Prevent breakdown of clots. • Control heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Specific treatments include: • Desmopressin (DDAVP). This is a synthetic hormone that you usually take by injection or nasal spray. It makes your body release more von Willebrand factor and factor VIII into your bloodstream. DDAVP works for most patients with type 1 and some with type 2 VWD. • VWF replacement therapy. This involves getting an infusion of a concentrate of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII into a vein in your arm. This treatment can be used if you: • Can t take DDAVP or need extended tre
