What type of drug is Takhzyro?

Key Points

• Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) is a human plasma kallikrein inhibitor and blocks a protein in your blood called kallikrein. Kallikrein regulates the production of bradykinin, a chemical that leads to inflammation (swelling) and hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks.
• Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) was the first monoclonal antibody approved in the U.S. to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) types I and II. It is used in patients 2 years of age and older.
• Takhzyro is given as a self-administered, subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, usually every 2 or 4 weeks. It is available as a single-dose prefilled syringe or as a single-dose vial.

Kalbitor (ecallantide) from Shire, is also an approved inhibitor of plasma kallikrein but is approved to treat (not prevent) attacks of hereditary angioedema in patients 12 years and older.

Related: Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) injection dosing

What is hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition that occurs in people with low levels of certain proteins (C1-INH and C4) in their body. The low levels of proteins trigger excessive activation of the complement pathway and another protein called kallikrein. This increase in kallikrein activity results in too much bradykinin, the substance that causes HAE attacks.

HAE leads to severe, sudden swelling in the body caused by fluid that collects in deep layers of the skin, and may affect the stomach, limbs, face and throat.

What side effects occur with Takhzyro?

Important Takhzyro side effects

Seek emergency medical help or call 911 if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Takhzyro. Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, rash, fast heartbeat, difficult breathing (wheezing), chest tightness, feeling light-headed or faint, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common Takhzyro side effects may include:

• headache
• upper respiratory tract infection
• rash
• muscle aches
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• pain, redness, or bruising where the injection was given.

Takhzyro has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of taking this drug in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. See more side effects in detail here.

This is not all the information you need to know about Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) for safe and effective use. Review the full Takhzyro information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.