Type of medicine: bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist
Generic and brand names: icatibant, injection; Firazyr
This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is not a cure for HAE.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Use only the amount prescribed. Do not use more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
Your healthcare provider will teach you or your caregiver how to inject the shots. If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: itching, dizziness, lightheadedness.
If you are having a laryngeal (airway) attack with shortness of breath or trouble breathing, inject this medicine, then go to the nearest emergency room right away. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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).
Other: Headache; tiredness; drowsiness; dizziness; mild rash; nausea; pain, burning, itching, numbness, swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site; fever.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
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.
Store this medicine at room temperature and in the original carton until you are ready to use it. Do not let it freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
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.
