complement C1 esterase inhibitor

What is the most important information I should know about complement C1 esterase inhibitor?

What is 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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using 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.

How should I use complement C1 esterase inhibitor?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cinryze or Berinert are given as an infusion into a vein. Haegarda is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Complement C1 esterase inhibitor contains no preservative. Once you have pierced the rubber top of a vial with a needle, you must use that vial right away or throw it away.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Keep Cinryze or Haegarda on hand at all times to prevent angioedema, especially while traveling.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid after using complement C1 esterase inhibitor?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of complement C1 esterase inhibitor?

• 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 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.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about complement C1 esterase inhibitor.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.02. Revision date: 11/26/2018.