FAQ

Icatibant Injection Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Icatibant Injection work?

  • Icatibant works by blocking bradykinin, a peptide thought to be responsible for swelling, inflammation, and pain, from binding to the bradykinin type 2 receptors that line the blood vessels, and treats the symptoms of an acute HAE attack.11

Q: What do I need to tell my doctor before I start taking Icatibant Injection?

  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, if you have any other medical conditions, if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Icatibant Injection has not been evaluated in pregnant or nursing women.11

Q: Are there any medications that I cannot take with Icatibant Injection?

  • While there have not been any studies conducted specifically to examine Icatibant Injection’s interaction with other medications, it is possible that it could affect how angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work. Inform your doctor immediately if you are taking or have been prescribed an ACE inhibitor. Let your doctor know about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and if you are taking an ACE inhibitor.11

Q: Where should the Icatibant Injection be given?

  • Find an area on your stomach that is not bruised, swollen, or painful, approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) below your belly button line on either side and at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from any scars.11

Q: Can I use Icatibant Injection for every attack?

  • Guidelines recommend that you administer acute treatment as soon as possible after you recognize the symptoms of an attack, for all attacks, regardless of location.8 Remember, laryngeal attacks (in the throat) can be life-threatening. If you have a laryngeal attack, administer Icatibant Injection immediately and go directly to the nearest emergency room.11

Q: Do I have to go to the ER after a laryngeal (throat) attack?

  • Laryngeal attacks can potentially block your airway and become life-threatening. If you have an HAE attack of the throat (laryngeal attack), inject Icatibant Injection and then go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.11

Q: Who can administer Icatibant Injection?

  • Anyone can administer Icatibant Injection after being trained by a healthcare professional.11 Even if you plan to have a caregiver give you the injection, you should also be trained, just in case.

Q: Can I take more than one dose of Icatibant Injection during the same attack?

  • If your symptoms continue or come back, you may repeat your Icatibant Injection at least 6 hours apart. Do not use more than 3 doses in 24 hours.11

Q: Will I still have an injection site reaction if my doctor gives me the injection?

  • The chance of having a reaction to the injection is about the same if you self-administer the injection or have a professional do it. Remember, it is important to take the Icatibant Injection as soon as possible after symptoms begin.11

Q: What are the possible side effects of Icatibant Injection?11

  • The most common side effects of Icatibant Injection include:
    • Redness, bruising, swelling, warmth, burning, itching, irritation, hives, numbness, and pressure or pain at the injection site
    • Fever
    • Too much of an enzyme called transaminase in your blood
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Headache
    • Rash
  • Tiredness, drowsiness, and dizziness can occur in people who take Icatibant Injection. If this occurs, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything that requires you to be alert.
  • These are not all of the possible side effects of Icatibant Injection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of Icatibant Injection, contact FDA at: 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Q: What should I do if I am already on another Icatibant Injection generic?

  • You can ask your doctor to prescribe Icatibant Injection by a different manufacturer. Your doctor can specify on the prescription that you prefer the Fresenius Kabi product.

References

  • [8] Maurer M, Magerl M, Betschel S, et al. The international WAO/EAACI guideline for the management of hereditary angioedema-The 2021 revision and update. Allergy. 2022;77(7):1961-1990.
  • [11] Icatibant Injection Prescribing Information. Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC; 2020.