Ecallantide, Injection eh-KAL-lan-tyd

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: plasma kallikrein inhibitor

Generic and brand names: ecallantide, injection; Kalbitor

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is not a cure for HAE.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. This is a very strong medicine. It should only be given where you can be monitored closely. Read the Medication Guide when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a treatment.

What should I watch out for?

Some people who receive this medicine have serious allergic reactions. These reactions can be life-threatening and can happen within 1 hour after your treatment. You will be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction. Tell your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after treatment with this medicine:

• wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble
• breathing
• dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat, or feeling nervous
• flushing, itching, or hives
• swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or
• trouble swallowing
• runny nose or sneezing

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or weak heartbeat; runny nose or sneezing; trouble swallowing; hoarse voice; dizziness; fainting.

Other: Headache; tiredness; mild rash; nausea; diarrhea; pain, swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site; stuffy nose, fever

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.