Overview
What is von Willebrand disease
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, nose, throat, gastrointestinal tract) affecting both males and females equally. This bleeding disorder is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. The most common symptoms of von Willebrand disease are easy bruising, prolonged nosebleeds, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (lasting more than 7 days), and prolonged bleeding following injury, surgery, dental procedures, or childbirth. Gastrointestinal bleeding can also occur.
For more information, visit our website dedicated to bleeding disorders at www.hemophilia.com.
Questions regarding your von Willebrand disease therapy
You can reach the Accredo bleeding disorder care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week.
24-hour Customer Service Center
Symptoms
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is less often diagnosed at birth than hemophilia. Common symptoms of VWD include very heavy menstrual bleeding and frequent nosebleeds. Girls are often diagnosed at the start of menstruation.
Type 1 is the most common form of VWD and accounts for about 70% to 80% of all cases. This type is due to reduced levels of von Willebrand Factor and, sometimes, to low levels of Factor VIII. Bleeding symptoms are usually mild.
Type 2 occurs when there is a defect in von Willebrand Factor, so it does not work properly. It includes subtypes 2A, 2B, 2M, and 2N. People with type 2 VWD usually have mild-to-moderate symptoms, but can vary between the different subtypes. Each subtype is treated differently. Therefore, knowing the exact subtype is important.
Type 3 occurs when there is an absence or very low levels of VWD Factor and Factor VIII. People with type 3 VWD often have severe bleeding symptoms. This rare type of VWD can cause frequent bleeding, including in the joints and muscles, similar to hemophilia.
For more information, visit our website dedicated to bleeding disorders at www.hemophilia.com.
Medications
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for von Willebrand disease.
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you. Contact your Customer Experience Specialist at 866-712-5200.
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Meet the Team
Accredo’s Acute Hepatic Porphyria team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.