icatibant
Icatibant (Firazyr) is an injectable medication used to treat sudden (acute) attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults 18 years of age and older. It can be given by a healthcare provider or self-administered at home after proper training from a provider. This medication is typically only available at certain specialty pharmacies.
What is Icatibant (Firazyr)?
What is Icatibant (Firazyr) used for?
- Treatment of sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE)
How Icatibant (Firazyr) works
Icatibant (Firazyr) is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the activity of a natural substance in the body called bradykinin. Bradykinin causes blood vessels to dilate (widen) and lead to swelling.
In HAE, there's too much bradykinin produced in your body, which causes severe swelling in different parts of your body (hands, feet, stomach, face, throat). By blocking bradykinin, icatibant (Firazyr) can help lower pain and swelling from an HAE attack.
Drug facts
Side effects of Icatibant (Firazyr)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Injection site reaction (e.g., bruising, burning, redness, irritation, numbness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth; 97%)
- Fever (4%)
- Abnormal liver labs (4%)
- Dizziness (3%)
- Rash
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
The following Icatibant (Firazyr) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Icatibant (Firazyr)
Pros
- Can be injected at home
- Doesn't need to be refrigerated, so you can carry it anywhere
- Comes as a prefilled syringe
Cons
- Injections can be painful
- Can get bruising, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
- Have to get proper training to administer the injection yourself
Pharmacist tips for Icatibant (Firazyr)
- Follow your provider's instructions on how to use icatibant (Firazyr) if you're self-administering it at home.
- Get emergency medical help if you have any breathing problems during an HAE attack, even after injecting icatibant (Firazyr).
- If your symptoms continue or come back, you can repeat your dose after 6 hours, but don't use this medication more than 3 times in 24 hours.
- Icatibant (Firazyr) can make you feel tired, sleepy, and dizzy, so don't drive or operate any machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- It's not known if icatibant (Firazyr) can affect your unborn baby or passes into your breast milk, so ask your provider whether this medication is safe for you if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or planning to breastfeed.
- Take a look at the medication before giving yourself icatibant (Firazyr). It should be clear and colorless. Don't give yourself an injection if it contains particles (solid chunks) or is discolored. This could mean that the medication is not safe for you to take.
Common questions about Icatibant (Firazyr)
Icatibant (Firazyr) can relieve about 50% of your symptoms (like skin swelling, skin pain, and stomach pain) after 2 hours, but it can take up to 8 hours for you to feel completely better. If your symptoms remain or come back, you can repeat your dose after 6 hours.
Yes, get medical help right away if you have any breathing problems, even after using icatibant (Firazyr). Although this medication is used to treat HAE attacks, there is a chance that your airways can be blocked due to the swelling.
Yes, you can inject icatibant (Firazyr) yourself at home after a healthcare provider has trained you on how to use it properly and safely.
Icatibant (Firazyr) is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) into a pinch of skin on your stomach (abdomen), about 2 to 4 inches below the belly button on either side. Don't inject the medication in areas that are scarred, bruised, swollen, or painful.
Before taking icatibant (Firazyr), let your provider know about all of the medications and supplements that you're currently taking. Although icatibant (Firazyr) hasn't been studied with other medications, it might affect blood pressure medications belonging to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class. If you're taking an ACE inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril (Prinivil)), speak to your provider to see if icatibant (Firazyr) is safe for you.
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Risks and warnings for Icatibant (Firazyr)
Icatibant (Firazyr) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Swelling of the throat during an HAE attack
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks can cause the throat to swell, leading to breathing emergencies and death. Although icatibant (Firazyr) is used to treat sudden HAE attacks, you'll still need appropriate care if an attack happens. Get emergency medical help right away if you have any breathing problems or feel like your throat is swelling up.
Icatibant (Firazyr) dosage
Typical dosage for Icatibant (Firazyr)
The typical dose is 30 mg injected under the skin (subcutaneous) in the stomach area. If needed, additional doses can be given at least 6 hours apart, with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours.
How much does Icatibant (Firazyr) cost?
$3,745.90
What are alternatives to Icatibant (Firazyr)?
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