Haegarda
Haegarda is an injectable medication made from human blood products that's used to prevent swelling attacks from a condition called hereditary angioedema (HAE). You can give yourself the injection or ask a caregiver at home, but it has to be mixed before it's given.
What is Haegarda?
What is Haegarda used for?
- Prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in people 6 years and older
How Haegarda works
Haegarda is a C1 esterase inhibitor replacement. It contains C1 esterase inhibitor, a protein in your blood that helps relieve swelling (inflammation). Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a swelling condition caused by poorly functioning or low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor. By raising and restoring the levels of C1 esterase inhibitor in the blood, Haegarda helps prevent swelling attacks from happening.
Drug facts
Side effects of Haegarda
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., pain, swelling, itching; 35%)
- Nose and throat infection (19%)
- Allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching; 7%)
Haegarda serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, swelling of the tongue or throat
- Blood clot: pain, swelling, warmth, or discoloration of the arm or leg, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, unexplained fast heartbeat, numbness or weakness on one side of the body
The following Haegarda 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
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Haegarda
Pros
- Only needs to be given 2 times a week
- Injections can be given at home
- Most people experience mild side effects.
- Doesn't need to be refrigerated
Cons
- Needs to be mixed before use
- Injection might be uncomfortable
- Only available as a brand medication, so it might be expensive
- Can't be used to treat sudden HAE attacks
Pharmacist tips for Haegarda
- Before using Haegarda, make sure you know how to prepare and give the injection. Review and follow these instructions. If you have questions, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Haegarda has to be reconstituted (or mixed) with sterile water before you can use it. The sterile water should be included with the medication. After mixing Haegarda, use the medication within 8 hours. Keep it at room temperature and don't refrigerate it.
- You can inject Haegarda under the skin in your stomach or other site you've discussed with your provider. Don't inject in areas that are itchy, swollen, painful, bruised, or red. Avoid areas with scars or stretch marks.
- Make sure you rotate your injection sites at least 2 inches away from the last place you gave the injection so that the same spot isn't used all the time. This will lessen the chance of getting a reaction in the injection area.
- Use a new needle each time you inject Haegarda. Don't reuse or share your needles to avoid getting an infection.
- Make sure that you or your caregiver knows how to use epinephrine (Epipen) in case of an allergic reaction from Haegarda.
- Store Haegarda in its original packaging until ready to use to protect it from light.
- Let your provider know if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Haegarda to discuss if this medication is safe for you and your baby.
- Before traveling, make sure you talk to your provider to get enough medication to last you through your trip.
Common questions about Haegarda
Yes, you or your caregiver can give Haegarda injections at home. It's important to be trained on how to properly prepare and give Haegarda injections, as well as how to use epinephrine (Epipen) in case of an allergic reaction to the medication.
No, Haegarda is only given to prevent HAE attacks from occurring. Speak to your provider about other medications to treat your HAE attacks.
Although Haegarda can't prevent all HAE attacks, HAE attacks are typically lowered by 95% in people who take this medication. Make sure you have other medications ready in case you experience an HAE attack.
Haegarda can start raising the levels of C1 inhibitor in your blood right away, but it might take a couple of weeks for your levels to stabilize.
If you experience a significant change in your weight, talk to your provider so they can help you calculate a new dose of Haegarda. Always let your provider know if you have any factors that can affect your weight, such as a change in diet or exercise, life events, or health problems.
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Risks and warnings for Haegarda
Haegarda 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.
Severe allergic reaction
Haegarda can cause severe allergic reactions in some people, so make sure your provider also prescribes epinephrine (Epipen) for you to have during your injection of this medication. Get emergency medical help if you experience hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or swelling of the tongue or throat.
Blood clots
- Risk factors: High dose of C1 inhibitor given as an injection through your veins (intravenous) | History of blood vessel or heart problems | History of stroke or blood clots | Current catheter or access device | Not mobile
Although it's not clear if Haegarda can cause blood clots, blood clots have occurred in people who get high doses of C1 inhibitors through intravenous (IV) injections. Get emergency medical help if you experience any signs of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, warmth, or discoloration in your arm or leg, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, unexplained fast heartbeat, or numbness or weakness on one side of your body.
Transmission of diseases
Although rare, Haegarda has a risk of transmitting (spreading) certain viruses and diseases to you because this medication is made from human blood. Before Haegarda is made, blood donors are screened, the blood is tested for infections, and the blood product is processed to remove or inactivate certain viruses. Even though all these steps are taken to lower this risk, there is still a small risk of transmitting diseases. If you have concerns, speak to your provider.
Haegarda dosage
Typical dosage for Haegarda
Dosing will depend on your body weight. The typical dose is 60 IU/kg of body weight injected under the skin 2 times a week (every 3 or 4 days).
*IU=international units
