Firazyr
Generic name: icatibant
Drug class: Hereditary angioedema agents
Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.
What is Firazyr used for?
Firazyr is a prescription medicine that is used to treat swelling attacks in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Description
FIRAZYR (icatibant) is a synthetic decapeptide with five non-proteinogenic amino acids. The chemical structure of icatibant acetate is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Chemical Structure
Chemical name: D-Arginyl-L-arginyl-L-prolyl-L[(4R)-4-hydroxyprolyl]-glycyl-L[3-(2-thienyl)alanyl]-L-seryl-D-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-ylcarbonyl)-L[(3aS,7aS)-octahydroindol-2-ylcarbonyl]-L-arginine, acetate salt
FIRAZYR is provided as a sterile, isotonic, and buffered solution of icatibant acetate in a single-dose, prefilled syringe for subcutaneous administration. Each mL of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant (free base) which is equivalent to 11.38 mg of icatibant acetate. Each prefilled syringe delivers 3 mL of solution equivalent to a 30 mg icatibant dose. The solution is clear and colorless.
The solution also contains sodium chloride (isotonicity reagent), glacial acetic acid (pH adjuster), sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster) and water for injection with a pH of approximately 5.5. The solution does not contain preservatives.
Pharmacological class: Icatibant is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.
Mechanism of Action
Icatibant is a competitive antagonist selective for the bradykinin B2 receptor, with an affinity similar to bradykinin. Hereditary angioedema is caused by an absence or dysfunction of C1-esterase-inhibitor, a key regulator of the Factor XII/kallikrein proteolytic cascade that leads to bradykinin production. Bradykinin is a vasodilator which is thought to be responsible for the characteristic HAE symptoms of localized swelling, inflammation, and pain. Icatibant inhibits bradykinin from binding the B2 receptor and thereby treats the clinical symptoms of an acute, episodic attack of HAE
Before taking Firazyr, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to Firazyr; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Firazyr with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Firazyr?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Firazyr. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Firazyr affects you.
- If Firazyr is used for swelling in your neck or throat, go to the ER right away after using it.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is Firazyr best taken?
Use Firazyr as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin in the belly area.
- If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- Do not use if solution changes color.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Do not use more than 3 doses in a 24 hour period.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Get medical help right away.
What are the side effects of Firazyr that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are some other side effects of Firazyr?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Dizziness.
- Upset stomach.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Firazyr?
- Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store in original container.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 3 ML SYRINGE CARTON – 54092-702-03
- Takeda
Prefilled Syringe - Rx ONLY
NDC 54092-702-03 - Carton contains:
Three cartons, each with one single-dose, prefilled syringe
and one 25G hypodermic needle.
Full prescribing information with patient injection instructions.
The syringe is closed with a protective cap. - firazyr®
(icatibant injection)
30 mg/3 mL
(10 mg/mL) - FOR SUBCUTANEOUS USE ONLY
SRC: NLM .