Categories
- Alternative medicines
- Anti-infectives
- Antineoplastics
- Biologicals
- Cardiovascular agents
- Central nervous system agents
- Coagulation modifiers
- Gastrointestinal agents
- Genitourinary tract agents
- Hormones
- Immunologic agents
- Medical gas
- Metabolic agents
- Miscellaneous agents
- Inactive Ingredients
- Nutritional products
- Plasma expanders
- Psychotherapeutic agents
- Radiologic agents
- Respiratory agents
- Topical agents
- Uncategorized
Icatibant is used to treat sudden attacks of a certain immune system condition passed down through families called hereditary angioedema (HAE). Although this medication is not a cure for HAE, icatibant may lessen the symptoms of an attack such as rapid swelling and pain of the hands, arms, feet, legs, face, tongue, and upper airway. When attacks involve the stomach/intestines, symptoms may include abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Attacks may happen at any time. However, stress, injury, or illness may trigger attacks in some people.
Icatibant works by blocking the action of a natural substance in the body called bradykinin. Bradykinin is thought to cause the symptoms of an HAE attack.
How to use icatibant SubQ
Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using icatibant and each time you get a refill. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package and from your health care professional. Your health care professional will also teach you how to recognize the symptoms of a sudden attack of HAE. If any of the information is unclear, consult your health care professional.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.
Inject this medication under the skin in the stomach/abdominal area as directed by your doctor, usually over at least 30 seconds. If your symptoms continue or come back, you may give another dose after at least 6 hours. Do not use more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
If you have a sudden HAE attack of your throat area/voice box/upper airway (larynx), give yourself an injection of icatibant and then get medical help right away. This type of attack may lead to a blocked airway and serious breathing trouble.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Fever or dizziness may occur. Injection site reactions (such as redness, burning, swelling, bruising, irritation, pain) may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using icatibant, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature in a cool place or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store this drug in the manufacturer\'s carton until you are ready to use it. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised September 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.
