Icatibant (By injection)
eye-KA-ti-bant
Treats sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Drug classes
Immune Modulator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Icatibant injection is used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Icatibant works by blocking a chemical in the body that causes swelling, inflammation, and pain for patients with HAE. This medicine is not a cure for HAE.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is usually injected in the abdomen or stomach.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
The liquid in the prefilled syringe should be clear and colorless. If the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, do not use it. Choose another syringe.
Do not inject into an area that is bruised, painful, or swollen.
If your symptoms come back or do not get better, you may use another dose, but you must wait at least 6 hours after the first dose. Do not use this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature, in the original carton. Do not freeze.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods affect how icatibant works. Tell you doctor if you are also using an ACE inhibitor.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to icatibant.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If your throat swells, go to the nearest hospital or emergency clinic after you use this medicine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Redness, pain, itching, burning, bruising, warmth, or swelling where the shot is given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Firazyr
There may be other brand names for this medicine.