C1 esterase inhibitor 2,000 unit subcutaneous solution

Generic name:
C1-esterase inhibitor - subcutaneous injection

Brand name(s)
Haegarda

This medication is used to help prevent swelling and painful attacks caused by a certain inherited disease (hereditary angioedema-HAE). Most people with this disease have too little of a certain substance produced by your body (C1-esterase inhibitor). Some people with this disease have normal amounts of the substance, but it doesn't work right. Anxiety, stress, illness, or surgery may trigger attacks in some people. Symptoms such as rapid swelling of the hands, feet, limbs, face, tongue, or throat can occur. Swelling of the belly may cause symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This medication works by increasing the amount of C1-esterase inhibitor in your body.

This medication should not be used to treat sudden swelling attacks caused by HAE. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do if you have a sudden attack.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication 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 twice a week (every 3 or 4 days). The injection is given in the abdomen or another site as directed. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Make sure that the medication and mixing solution are at room temperature before mixing. 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. Do not inject into skin that is itchy, swollen, painful, bruised, or red, or has scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, cold-like symptoms (such as runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes), or dizziness may 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.

This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as on very long plane flights or being bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur:

• shortness of breath/rapid breathing
• chest/jaw/left arm pain
• unusual sweating
• confusion
• sudden dizziness/fainting
• new pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
• sudden/severe headaches
• trouble speaking
• weakness on one side of the body
• sudden vision changes

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 C1-esterase inhibitor, 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, especially of:

• blood clots (such as in the lungs, legs)

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).

This medication is made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections from the medication (for example, viruses such as hepatitis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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 drug 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.

Before traveling, talk to your doctor to make sure you have enough of this medication.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store the unmixed vial in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect from light. After mixing, use this medication right away or within 8 hours. Do not refrigerate the mixed solution. Discard any unused portion. 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.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.