Icatibant

Drug Details

Icatibant, also known as Firazyr, is a medication used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults aged 18 and older. HAE is an inherited condition that causes rapid swelling and pain in areas such as the hands, arms, feet, legs, face, tongue, and upper airway. In cases where the attack affects the stomach or intestines, symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Stress, injury, or illness can trigger these attacks. Icatibant works by blocking the effects of bradykinin, a substance in the body that leads to swelling by causing blood vessels to widen. While it is not a cure for HAE, icatibant can help alleviate the symptoms during an acute attack. This injectable medication can be administered by a healthcare provider or self-injected at home following appropriate training. It is typically available through specialty pharmacies.