What Is NovoEight? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

NovoEight (generic name: turoctocog alfa) is an injectable prescription medication used to prevent and treat bleeding in adults and children with hemophilia A — a rare genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII (FVIII). NovoEight is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and was first approved by the FDA in October 2013.

What Is Hemophilia A?

Hemophilia A is a hereditary hemorrhagic disorder caused by a genetic mutation that results in a deficiency of clotting factor VIII. Factor VIII is a protein required for normal blood clotting. Without adequate FVIII, the blood cannot form a proper clot, leading to prolonged and potentially life-threatening bleeding — even from minor injuries.

Hemophilia A is the most common form of hemophilia, affecting approximately 1 in every 5,000 male births in the United States. It is an X-linked disorder, meaning it primarily affects males, while females may be carriers.

What Is NovoEight FDA-Approved to Treat?

NovoEight (turoctocog alfa) is FDA-approved for use in adults and children with hemophilia A for:

On-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes: Administered when a bleed occurs to stop it quickly

Perioperative management: Given before, during, and after surgery to prevent surgical bleeding

Routine prophylaxis: Regular scheduled infusions to prevent spontaneous bleeds and protect joints

NovoEight is NOT indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease, even though that condition also affects clotting.

What Does NovoEight Look Like and How Is It Given?

NovoEight comes as a white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a single-dose glass vial. Before injection, the powder is reconstituted (mixed) with sodium chloride 0.9% solution using a convenient MixPro prefilled syringe system. The reconstituted liquid is then given as an intravenous (IV) injection over 2-5 minutes.

NovoEight is available in six vial strengths: 250 IU, 500 IU, 1,000 IU, 1,500 IU, 2,000 IU, and 3,000 IU. The strength prescribed depends on your body weight, severity of hemophilia A, and type of use (prophylaxis, on-demand, or surgical).

What Is the Typical Dosing for NovoEight?

NovoEight dosing is weight-based, measured in International Units per kilogram of body weight (IU/kg). Typical dosing schedules:

Adult prophylaxis: 20–40 IU/kg every other day OR 20–50 IU/kg three times per week

Pediatric prophylaxis (under 12): 25–50 IU/kg every other day OR 25–60 IU/kg three times per week

Minor bleeds: Dosed to achieve 20–40% of normal FVIII activity, every 12–24 hours

Major surgery: Dosed to achieve 80–100% of normal FVIII activity, with frequency and duration guided by your hematologist

Children typically have higher factor clearance rates than adults and may need more frequent dosing. Your hematologist will calculate your exact dose based on blood tests measuring your FVIII activity levels.

What Makes NovoEight Different From Other Factor VIII Products?

Superior thermal stability: NovoEight is the only standard half-life factor VIII product that can be stored at up to 104°F for up to 3 months — no refrigerator required. This makes it ideal for patients who travel or have active lifestyles.

Compact packaging: The MixPro prefilled syringe system simplifies reconstitution and makes on-the-go infusion easier.

Extensive clinical evidence: Studied in one of the largest hemophilia A clinical trial programs at time of approval, with over 900 patient-years of data.

CHO-cell production without animal-derived materials: NovoEight is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells without addition of human or animal-derived materials during manufacturing.

Who Should NOT Use NovoEight?

Patients with a known severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to NovoEight or any of its components

Patients with known allergy to hamster proteins

Patients with von Willebrand disease (NovoEight is not approved for this condition)

Want to understand how NovoEight works at the molecular level? Read: How Does NovoEight Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English.

Having trouble locating NovoEight at your pharmacy? medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones can fill your specific prescription.