Conestat alfa

Generic name: Conestat Alfa
Brand names: Ruconest
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (2100 intl units)
Drug class: Hereditary angioedema agents

Usage of Conestat alfa

Conestat alfa is a manmade form of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor that occurs naturally in the bloodstream and 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.

Conestat alfa is used to treat angioedema attacks in people with hereditary angioedema. Conestat alfa is for use in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Conestat alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Conestat alfa side effects

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

Conestat alfa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);

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

pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common side effects of conestat alfa may include:

headache;

diarrhea; or

nausea.

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 Conestat alfa

You should not use conestat alfa if you are allergic to it, or:

if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit products (meat, fur, pelt); or

if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to conestat alfa or to another C1 esterase inhibitor (such as Berinert or Cinryze).

To make sure conestat alfa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); or

a history of stroke or blood clot.

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether conestat alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Conestat alfa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Conestat alfa

Usual Adult Dose for Hereditary Angioedema:

Less than 84 kg: 50 international units/kg IV injection once over approximately 5 minutes; may repeat once if symptoms persist.84 kg or more: 4200 international units IV injection once over approximately 5 minutes; may repeat once if symptoms persist.Maximum dose: Not to exceed 4200 international units per dose or 2 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hereditary Angioedema:

13 Years or Older:Less than 84 kg: 50 international units/kg IV injection once over approximately 5 minutes; may repeat once if symptoms persist.84 kg or more: 4200 international units IV injection once over approximately 5 minutes; may repeat once if symptoms persist.Maximum dose: Not to exceed 4200 international units per dose or 2 doses per 24 hours

Warnings

You should not use conestat alfa if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit products (meat, fur, pelt).

What other drugs will affect Conestat alfa

Other drugs may interact with conestat alfa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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