Understanding Hemophilia A and B: Essential Insights for Pharmacists

Hemophilia A and B are inherited bleeding disorders caused by deficiencies in coagulation factors VIII and IX, respectively, leading to impaired clot formation and prolonged bleeding. Pharmacists should understand the genetic basis of these conditions—typically X-linked recessive—which means they predominantly affect males, while females are often carriers who may also experience mild symptoms. Awareness of the wide variability in disease severity is crucial, as patients may present with anything from spontaneous bleeding to trauma-induced hemorrhage. Pharmacists play an essential role in educating patients on recognizing bleeding episodes, supporting adherence to factor replacement or novel non-factor therapies, and monitoring for treatment-related complications. Understanding the psychosocial and lifelong nature of hemophilia also helps ensure compassionate, comprehensive care across diverse patient populations.