Overview: Icatibant is commonly 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 bradykinin. Common side effects include discomfort near the injection site, fever, dizziness, rash, and increased levels of some liver enzymes. This medicine is given as an injection under the skin.
Uses
What is icatibant used for?
Icatibant is commonly used to treat acute swelling attacks in people with a rare, inherited condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Icatibant may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does icatibant work (mechanism of action)?
People with hereditary angioedema have too much of a substance called bradykinin, which causes many of the symptoms of swelling attacks. Icatibant blocks bradykinin, which can help to treat an acute swelling attack in people with this condition.
How is icatibant supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Firazyr
- Sajazir
Dosage forms and strengths
- 30 mg/3 mL (10 mg/mL) injection, prefilled syringes
How should I store icatibant?
Icatibant should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 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 icatibant?
The most common side effects of icatibant are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, itching, swelling, numbness, or redness near the injection site
- Fever
- Increased liver enzyme levels
- Dizziness
- Rash
There may be other side effects of icatibant 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 icatibant?
While less common, the most serious side effects of icatibant are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Icatibant may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using icatibant 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
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use icatibant?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use icatibant.
- Firazyr
- Icatibant
- Sajazir
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific icatibant products they stock.
What should I know about icatibant before using it?
Do not use icatibant unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share icatibant with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep icatibant out of the reach of children. As 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 injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use icatibant. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
Icatibant is used only when needed to treat an acute swelling attack. You may need more than one dose of this medicine to treat a swelling attack. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands when and why to use another dose of this medicine. Do not use more than three doses in 24 hours.
If you are having an acute swelling attack that affects your throat (a laryngeal attack), use one dose of icatibant and then seek medical help right away.
Icatibant can cause dizziness, which may affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how icatibant affects you.
What should I tell my health care provider before using icatibant?
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 determine if icatibant is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how icatibant 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 icatibant passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does icatibant interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between icatibant and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect icatibant.
Does icatibant interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between icatibant 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.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much icatibant?
If you or someone else has used too much icatibant, 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 icatibant?
Icatibant is used only when needed to treat an acute swelling attack.