Kalbitor
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.
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 questions about Kalbitor (ecallantide)
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.
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.
Some common side effects of Kalbitor (ecallantide) include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
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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Kalbitor (ecallantide) dosage
Typical dosage for Kalbitor (ecallantide)
Interactions between Kalbitor (ecallantide) and other drugs
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.
What are alternatives to Kalbitor (ecallantide)?
