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Kalbitor

ecallantide

Used for Hereditary Angioedema

Kalbitor (ecallantide) is injected under the skin to treat sudden and painful swelling attacks called hereditary angioedema (HAE). Kalbitor (ecallantide) can only be given by a trained healthcare provider at a clinic or hospital because it can cause a serious allergic reaction. Some common side effects include headache, nausea, and diarrhea. It's only available as a brand-name medication.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 8, 2022

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What is Kalbitor (ecallantide)?

What is Kalbitor (ecallantide) used for?

Treatment of sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults and children age 12 years and older

How Kalbitor (ecallantide) works

People with HAE have proteins in the body called plasma kallikrein that are very active. These proteins play a big role in causing pain and swelling related to HAE.

Kalbitor (ecallantide) is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, which means it blocks plasma kallikrein. The medication treats HAE attacks by blocking plasma kallikrein activity to prevent pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKalbitor

Drug ClassPlasma kallikrein inhibitor

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Frequently asked questions about Kalbitor (ecallantide)

How fast can Kalbitor (ecallantide) work to relieve my HAE attacks?

Kalbitor (ecallantide) can ease symptoms of HAE attacks in about 4 hours after treatment. If your symptoms don't go away or if you experience another attack, let your provider know. They might ask you to come back to the clinic for a second dose of Kalbitor (ecallantide) within 24 hours after your first dose.

What's my dose of Kalbitor (ecallantide) and where do I go to get the injections?

Kalbitor (ecallantide) injections are only given by a trained healthcare provider at a health clinic or hospital. This is so that you can get medical support in case you experience a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medication. The typical recommended dose is 30 mg injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. For your safety, your provider'll monitor you during and for a period of time after your treatment. If you continue to have attacks, your provider might give you a second dose within 24 hours of your first dose.

What are some common side effects of Kalbitor (ecallantide)?

Some common side effects of Kalbitor (ecallantide) include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

Are there any serious side effects caused by Kalbitor (ecallantide)?

Kalbitor (ecallantide) can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This generally happens within the first hour of injection. Because of this risk, you can only get this medication from a trained healthcare provider at a medical clinic or hospital that can give you medical care if needed. Your provider'll ask you to stay to be monitored after your injection. They'll provide help right away if you experience symptoms such as chest discomfort, flushing (blushing), swelling in your throat, itchy skin, runny nose, stuffy nose, throat irritation, hives, wheezing, and or trouble breathing.

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Interactions between Kalbitor (ecallantide) and other drugs

Kalbitor (ecallantide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Kalbitor (ecallantide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.