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Overview: Kalbitor is used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with a rare condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE). It works by blocking a substance in the body called kallikrein that can cause fluid to build up. This medicine is given as a shot under the skin by a health care provider in a health care facility. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, and discomfort near where the needle went in. 

Uses

What is Kalbitor used for?

Kalbitor (ecallantide) is commonly used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with a rare inherited condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE).

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

How does Kalbitor work (mechanism of action)?

People with hereditary angioedema have too much of a substance called kallikrein. When there is too much kallikrein in the body, it can cause fluid to build up where it should not. Kalbitor blocks kallikrein from working, which reduces the amount of fluid that builds up in the body. This can help to treat an acute swelling attack in people with this condition.

How is Kalbitor supplied (dosage forms)?

Kalbitor is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Kalbitor?

Kalbitor is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Kalbitor?

The most common side effects of Kalbitor are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near where the needle went in
  • Infection in the nose or throat, a sore throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of Kalbitor 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 Kalbitor?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Kalbitor may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Reddening of the face or feeling warm
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded or anxious, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Kalbitor?

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

  • Ecallantide
  • Kalbitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Kalbitor products they stock.

What should I know about Kalbitor before using it?

Kalbitor is given as a shot under the skin by a health care professional in a health care facility to treat an active swelling attack. 

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

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 Kalbitor is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kalbitor could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

How can I get more information about Kalbitor?

For more information about Kalbitor, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.kalbitor.com or call them at 800-828-2088.

Interactions

Does Kalbitor interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kalbitor.

Does Kalbitor interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Kalbitor and other medicines. 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.

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 Kalbitor?

If you or someone else has used too much Kalbitor, 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 Kalbitor?

Kalbitor is given by a health care provider only when needed to treat an acute swelling attack. 

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