What is Firazyr?
Firazyr is a medication used to treat the symptoms that are caused by hereditary angioedema (an immune system disease) in adults. Firazyr is not a solution for hereditary angioedema. Firazyr can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take Firazyr if you're allergic to the chemical icatibant. To ensure that you are able to safely take this medicine, be sure to inform your doctor about all medical conditions, including if you take blood pressure or heart medications or if you're breastfeeding or pregnant. Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice swelling of your throat or tongue during an attack of angioedema.
Icatibant, an ingredient in the icatibant allergy, can trigger symptoms identical to those of hereditary angioedema. These include symptoms like hives and difficulty breathing, as well as swelling or swollen lips, face, or tongue. Do not take more than three Firazyr injections within a 24-hour period. Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they become worse following the use of the medication.
Before taking this medicine
Before you use Firazyr, consult your physician about any medical issues or allergies, all medications you take, and whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Senior adults could become more susceptible to the effects of this medication. Firazyr is not a product that is approved for use by anyone less than 18 years old.
How to take Firazyr?
Firazyr can be injected under the skin. Follow the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides and instruction sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Firazyr is administered under the skin. The healthcare professional may instruct you on the proper use of the drug on your own.
Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come along with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions. Hands should be washed with soap and water prior to making your injection. Only inject it when you are ready to administer it. Avoid using the medicine when it's changed colour, looks cloudy, or contains particles. Consult your pharmacist about new medications. Don't inject Firazyr into a region that is swollen, painful, or bruised.
Make sure to use the needle supplied with this medicine. If you are still experiencing signs of angioedema following the first injection, it is possible to apply a second injection after at least six hours have passed.
Inject Firazyr and seek emergency medical attention. If you notice swelling of your throat or tongue during an attack of angioedema. Don't use more than three Firazyr injections in a 24-hour period. Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse after taking this medication. Each syringe that is prefilled is designed for one use only. Dispose of it after one use, even if there's still medicine in it. Keep the syringe that has been filled in the original container in the fridge or at ambient temperature. Don't put it in the freezer.
Use a needle or syringe only once and place them into a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage:
Usual Adult Dose for Hereditary Angioedema:
30 mg once subcutaneously within the abdomen area The dose can be repeated every 6 hours if the response is not satisfactory or symptoms persist.
Maximum dose: 90 mg/day
What happens If I miss the dose?
Because Firazyr is only used as necessary, it doesn't follow a routine for daily doses. Consult your physician if your symptoms don't improve following the use of this medication.
What happens If I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose could include redness and itching. You may also feel as if you're about to pass out.
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects this medicine has on your body. Your reaction could be affected.
Side effects of Firazyr
Get immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms of an allergic reaction, Firazyr: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
A reaction to icatibant that is allergic is not likely to occur, but it is possible that symptoms appear very similar to those of hereditary angioedema.
Common Firazyr side effects can include:
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Bruising, pain, numbness, swelling, redness, discomfort, burning itching, or a sensation of pressure at the site where the injection was administered;
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Drowsiness,
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Tiredness;
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Fever;
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Headache,
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Dizziness;
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Atypical liver function tests
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Nausea
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Rash.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, including blood pressure medications.
Other medications can be incompatible with icatibant, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
