Icatibant (Injection)

Introduction

Icatibant (eye-KA-ti-bant)

Treats sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Brand Name(s)

Firazyr

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is usually injected in the abdomen or stomach.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• To use:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Remove the prefilled syringe and needle from the carton.
  • Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. It should be clear and colorless. If the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, do not use it. Select another syringe.
  • Remove the seal from the needle cap. Use the needle only when you are ready to use it.
  • Firmly screw the provided needle on the syringe. Do not use a different needle.
  • Choose an injection site on your body (e.g., abdomen or stomach area). Do not choose an area that is bruised, painful, or swollen. Clean the injection site with a fresh alcohol wipe, and let it dry.
  • Remove the needle cap by pulling the syringe. Be careful not to pull up on the plunger.
  • With two fingers, pinch together the skin at the injection site. Use your other hand to quickly insert the needle.
  • Push the plunger for at least 30 seconds until no medicine is left in the syringe.
  • Release your fingers at the injection site and gently pull the needle out.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• You may store this medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Store the medicine in the original carton until you are ready to use it. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used prefilled syringe with the needle attached in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using certain blood pressure medicines (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other medical problems.
• During a laryngeal (throat) HAE attack, you may have shortness of breath or troubled breathing. If you have a laryngeal HAE attack, inject this medicine and go to the nearest hospital or emergency clinic right away.
• This medicine may cause severe tenderness and pain at the site of injection. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects at the injection site: redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, lumps, or a rash.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Rash.
• Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088