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Overview: Ruconest 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. Ruconest works by replacing C1 esterase inhibitor, which helps to stop active swelling attacks. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and diarrhea. This medicine is given as an injection into the vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care facility. Some people may be trained to give this medicine at home.

Uses

What is Ruconest used for?

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

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

See also: C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Human) (Berinert, Cinryze, Haegarda)

How does Ruconest work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is Ruconest supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ruconest

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2,100 IU single-dose vials

How should I store Ruconest?

Ruconest 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.

Once the medicine has been reconstituted (mixed with the diluent), it must be used right away or stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) and used within eight hours. If it is not used within that time, it should be thrown away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ruconest?

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

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Ruconest 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. 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 Ruconest?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ruconest may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ruconest 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. Ruconest 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ruconest?

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

  • C1 esterase inhibitor (human)
  • C1 esterase inhibitor (recombinant)
  • Ruconest
  • Rabbits or any products made from rabbits
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Ruconest before using it?

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

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

Keep Ruconest 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.

Ruconest is given as an infusion into the vein (IV). This infusion is often given by a health care professional in a health care facility. With proper training, this medicine may also be given at home. If you plan to give this medicine at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly store, prepare, and use Ruconest. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Ruconest 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. In certain cases, you may need to seek medical care after using this medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands when and why to use another dose of this medicine and when to seek medical care.

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

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 Ruconest is right for you.

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

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

How can I get more information about Ruconest?

For more information about Ruconest, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ruconest.com or call them at 800-930-5221.

Interactions

Does Ruconest interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ruconest.

Does Ruconest 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.

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 Ruconest?

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

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

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