Firazyr

Generic Name: icatibant (eye KAT i bant)
Brand Names: Firazyr

Medically reviewed on September 19, 2017

What is Firazyr?

Firazyr (icatibant) is used to treat attacks of hereditary angioedema (an immune system disorder). This medication is used in people who are at least 18 years old.

Firazyr is not a cure for hereditary angioedema.

Firazyr may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use Firazyr if you are allergic to icatibant.

To make sure you can safely use Firazyr, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, if you use heart or blood pressure medications, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have any swelling of your tongue or throat during an angioedema attack.

An allergic reaction to Firazyr can cause symptoms that are very similar to the signs of hereditary angioedema, including: hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Do not use more than three Firazyr injections within a 24-hour period. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication.

Before receiving Firazyr

You should not use Firazyr if you are allergic to icatibant.

To make sure you can safely use Firazyr, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Firazyr will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether icatibant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Firazyr without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How is Firazyr given?

Firazyr is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Get emergency medical help if you have any swelling of your tongue or throat during an angioedema attack.

Firazyr comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Prepare your Firazyr dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use Firazyr if it looks cloudy or has particles in it.

Call your doctor for a new prescription. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing your injection.

Do not give a Firazyr injection into an area that is painful, swollen, or bruised.

If you still have symptoms of angioedema after the first injection, you may use another injection after at least 6 hours have passed.

Do not use more than three Firazyr injections within a 24-hour period. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication.

Each prefilled syringe of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Use a syringe and needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store Firazyr in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. You may also store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include redness, itching, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid?

Firazyr may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Firazyr side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction after using Firazyr:

• chest pain or discomfort, fast or weak heartbeat;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• feeling like you might pass out;

• itching, rash, or hives;

• runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose;

• wheezing, cough, throat irritation, trouble breathing; or

• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction to Firazyr can cause symptoms that are very similar to the signs of hereditary angioedema.

Less serious Firazyr side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• fever;

• headache;

• mild skin rash; or

• pain, pressure, swelling, bruising, burning, warmth, redness, numbness, tenderness, itching, rash, or other irritation where the injection was given.

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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Firazyr?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially a heart or blood pressure medication such as:

• benazepril (Lotensin, Lotrel);

• captopril (Capoten, Capozide);

• enalapril (Vasotec, Vaseretic);

• fosinopril (Monopril);

• lisinopril (Prinivil, Prinzide, Zestril, Zestoretic)

• moexipril (Univasc, Uniretic);

• perindopril (Aceon);

• quinapril (Accupril, Accuretic);

• ramipril (Altace); or

• trandolapril (Mavik, Tarka).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Firazyr. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Further information

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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