C1 Esterase Inhibitor, Human

Prevents hereditary angioedema (swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat).

Brand Name(s):

Cinryze

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of blood clots.
• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or nurse right away if you have a rash; itching; hives; hoarseness; chest tightness; lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting; wheezing; shortness of breath; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive this medicine.
• This medicine may increase your risk of developing blood clots. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach; chest pain; shortness of breath; loss of sensation; confusion; or problems with muscle control or speech.
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Skin rash.
• Stuffy or runny nose.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.