Cinryze

What is Cinryze?

Cinryze, a synthetic version of a natural protein found in the bloodstream, helps to control swelling. Hereditary angioedema is a condition where people do not produce enough of the protein. Angioedema is characterised by swelling attacks and other symptoms, such as stomach pain or difficulty breathing. Cinryze can be used to treat angioedema. Berinert, a brand of C1 esterase complement inhibitor, is used to treat angioedema attacks.

Warnings

Cinryze should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening to a complement C1 estrase inhibitor. Tell your doctor before you take Cinryze if you've had a stroke or blood clot in the past. Do not administer this medication to an infant without consulting a doctor. Cinryze can be administered intravenously at home. Cinryze comes complete with instructions to ensure safe and effective usage. Please follow all the instructions.If you have questions, do not hesitate to consult either your pharmacist or physician. Cinryze should not be self-injected if you are not familiar with how to properly inject the medication and dispose of needles, IV tubes, and other items. Make sure you know how to mix and store your medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, stop your IV infusion immediately and seek emergency medical attention: hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, feeling as if you may pass out, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Cinryze, a drug made from plasma (parts of blood), may contain viruses or other infectious agents. The plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible that it could spread disease. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.

Before you take this drug

Cinryze should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening to a complement C1 estrase inhibitor.

Provide your doctor with any of the following details:

• A stroke or clot of blood;
• Heart problems
• An "in-dwelling" catheter.

Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or breastfeeding, in addition to sharing any potential symptoms or medical history changes with them. Cinryze, which is made of donated plasma from humans, may contain viruses and other infectious agents. The plasma that is donated is treated and tested to reduce the chance of contamination. However, there is a very small risk that it may transmit a disease. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.

How to take Cinryze?

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose and use for longer than specified. Cinryze can be injected through an IV into a vein. You may be taught how to inject at home. You should not administer this medication to yourself if you don't know how to inject the medicine and dispose of the needles, IV tubes, and other used items. Cinryze can be given 3–4 times a week to prevent angioedema. Read all information provided, including medication guides and instructions, before beginning. If any questions arise, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately. Cinryze comes as a powder that needs to be mixed with liquid before use. You will need two vials of this medicine to create a single dosage if you use it at home. Please follow all the instructions. Make sure you know how to mix and store your medicine.

Do not shake or stir the medicine. You may ruin it. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready to inject yourself. The mixture of powder and diluent should be colourless and clear. The colour of the mixed cinnamon should either be slightly blue or clear. If the colour of the mixed medicine has changed or if there are particles present, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist. Cinryze comes in a single-use bottle (vial). After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. Cinryze contains no preservatives. You must use the vial immediately after piercing the rubber cap with a needle. The unmixed powder should be stored in the refrigerator or at a cool room temperature. Do not freeze. Protect the powder from light. After the expiration dates have passed, throw away any vials that are still unused. Mix cinnamon and diluent together, then inject the solution immediately or store it at room temperature for 3 hours. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for hereditary angioedema:

Routine prophylaxis of angioedema in HAE patients
Every 3–4 days, 1,000 units by intravenous injection at 1 ml/minute (1,000 units per 10 ml).

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions. This medicine should be kept on hand to prevent angioedema.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Side effects of Cinryze

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, chest tightness, rapid heartbeats, feeling a little light-headed, wheezing, difficulty breathing, blue gums or lips, or swelling in your face, lips, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience:

• A sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body.
• Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness on the arm or leg
• Symptoms of sudden, severe headaches include confusion, difficulty with speech or vision, and problems with balance.
• Chest pain when taking deep breaths
• Rapid heart rate.

Cinryze may cause side effects such as:

• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Headache, dizziness;
• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain, bruising or swelling, itchiness, warmth, or a lumpy, hard lump at the injection site;
• Sore throat, stuffy nose
• Rash;

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:

• Testosterone;
• Birth-control pills.

This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with complement C1 estrase inhibitors. These interactions include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products - though this list doesn't encompass every possible drug interaction.