Complement C1 esterase inhibitor

Generic name: Complement C1 Esterase Inhibitor
Drug class: Hereditary angioedema agents

Usage of Complement C1 esterase inhibitor

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor is a man-made form of a protein in blood that helps control swelling in the body. People with a condition called hereditary angioedema do not have enough of this protein. Hereditary angioedema can cause attacks of swelling and symptoms such as stomach problems or trouble breathing.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor is used in people with hereditary angioedema. Berinert is used to treat attacks of angioedema. Cinryze and Haegarda are used to prevent attacks of angioedema.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest tightness, fast heartbeats, feeling light-headed; wheezing or difficult breathing, blue lips or gums; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body;

pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg;

sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

chest pain while taking deep breaths; or

fast heart rate.

Common side effects of complement C1 esterase inhibitor may include:

unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

headache, dizziness;

nausea, vomiting;

pain, bruising, itching, swelling, bleeding, warmth, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected;

stuffy nose, sore throat;

rash; or

fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Complement C1 esterase inhibitor

You should not use this medicine if have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to complement C1 esterase inhibitor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a stroke or blood clot;

heart problems; or

an "in-dwelling" catheter.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

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How to use Complement C1 esterase inhibitor

Usual Adult Dose for Hereditary Angioedema:

For routine prophylaxis against angioedema attacks in HAE patients.Cinryze: 1,000 Units by intravenous infusion at a rate of 1 mL per minute (1,000 units/ 10 mL) every 3 or 4 days.For treatment of acute abdominal, facial or laryngeal attacks of HAE:Berinert: 20 units per kg body weight intravenously at a rate of approximately 4 mL per minute (500 units/10 mL).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hereditary Angioedema:

For treatment of acute abdominal, facial or laryngeal attacks of HAE:13 years and older:Berinert: 20 units per kg body weight intravenously at a rate of approximately 4 mL per minute (500 units/10 mL)

Warnings

You should not use complement C1 esterase inhibitor if have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to complement C1 esterase inhibitor.

What other drugs will affect Complement C1 esterase inhibitor

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

testosterone; or

birth control pills.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect complement C1 esterase inhibitor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Haegarda is a man-made form of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), that is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) to prevent angioedema attacks in adults, adolescents, and children over the age of 6 with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Haegarda replaces missing C1-INH, preventing the generation of bradykinin and other substances that increase the permeability of blood vessels. Continue reading

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