6 mins read

Overview: Berinert is commonly used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with a rare condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE). People with this condition have too little of a substance called C1 esterase inhibitor. Berinert replaces this substance, which helps stop active swelling attacks. The most common side effect is a change in the way things taste. This medicine is given as an injection into the vein (IV). It may be given at home or by a health care provider in a health care facility.

Uses

What is Berinert used for?

Berinert (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) is commonly used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with a rare, inherited condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Berinert may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

See also: C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Human) (Cinryze, Haegarda) and Ruconest (C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant]) 

How does Berinert work (mechanism of action)?

People with hereditary angioedema have too little of a substance called C1 esterase inhibitor. This substance helps block the process that causes swelling attacks. Berinert replaces this substance, which helps stop acute swelling attacks in people with this condition.

How is Berinert supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Berinert

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 IU single-dose vials

How should I store Berinert?

Berinert should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, between 36 F and 86 F (2 C and 30 C). Store the medicine in its original package to protect it from light. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Berinert?

The most common side effect of Berinert is a change in how things taste. Tell your health care provider if you have any changes in taste that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Berinert that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Berinert?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Berinert are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Berinert may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Use the rescue medicine (such as epinephrine) provided to you by your health care provider and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Berinert may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes
  • Double vision

Risk of Infection. Berinert is made from human blood, which means that it may contain microbes (such as bacteria or viruses) that can cause an infection. This risk is very low because the process used to make this medicine includes many steps to remove microbes. Talk to your health care provider to make sure that you understand this potential risk.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Berinert?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Berinert.

  • Berinert
  • C1 esterase inhibitor (human)
  • C1 esterase inhibitor (recombinant)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Berinert.

What should I know about Berinert before using it?

Do not use Berinert unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Berinert with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Berinert out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is given as an infusion into the vein (IV) to treat an acute swelling attack. It may be given by a health care provider in a health care facility. With proper training, it may also be given at home. If you will be using Berinert at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly store, prepare, and use Berinert. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you are having an acute swelling attack that affects your breathing or your voice (a laryngeal attack), use one dose of Berinert and then seek medical help right away. Bring Berinert with you to the health care facility. If you are having a swelling attack in a different part of your body and the swelling is not controlled after one dose of Berinert, contact your health care provider right away.

Some acute swelling attacks can affect the abdomen (stomach), causing pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you used Berinert to treat an acute swelling attack that caused these symptoms, let your health care provider know as soon as possible. They may need to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

It is important to bring Berinert with you while you are travelling. If you are planning to travel, work with your health care provider to make sure that you will have enough medicine for your trip.

Berinert may cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Your health care provider will train you on how to treat these allergic reactions. You may need to have a rescue medicine called epinephrine available to treat an allergic reaction. Make sure that you and anyone else who may be able to help during an emergency knows where your epinephrine is stored and how to use it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Berinert?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Berinert is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • An indwelling catheter or line that allows access to a vein
  • History of blood clots
  • Heart or circulation problems
  • Stroke
  • Limited movement

Other Medicines and Supplements. Berinert may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Berinert, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Berinert could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Berinert passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Berinert?

For more information about Berinert, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.berinert.com or call them at 877-236-4423.

Interactions

Does Berinert interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Berinert and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Berinert.

Does Berinert interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Berinert.

  • A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD) that contains hormones
  • A male sex hormone (androgen), such as testosterone

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Berinert. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Berinert?

If you or someone else has used too much Berinert, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Berinert?

Berinert is used only when needed to treat an acute swelling attack.

Look up another drug