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.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using icatibant
and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to
prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually over at least 30 seconds. The injection is given in
the stomach/abdominal area. 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.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time
to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
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.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or
if they get worse.
Fever or dizziness may occur. Injection site reactions
(such as redness, burning, swelling, bruising, irritation, pain) may also
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
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 breastfeeding.
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 someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not
freeze. Keep the medication in the original carton until ready to use. 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.