Why is this medication prescribed?

Cinryze is prescribed primarily for the prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adolescents and adults. Hereditary angioedema is a genetic condition that causes recurrent episodes of swelling in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and airway.

How should this medicine be used?

How Cinryze is used:

• Dosage: The typical dosage of Cinryze for routine prophylaxis is 1000 units (one vial) administered intravenously every 3 or 4 days.
• Administration: It is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion over a period of about 10-15 minutes. It should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of hereditary angioedema.
• Monitoring: Patients may need to be monitored for a short period after administration to watch for any adverse reactions.
• Prophylactic Use: Cinryze is used on a regular basis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema rather than to treat acute attacks. It helps to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks.
• Instructions: Patients should be instructed on the proper technique for preparing and administering Cinryze, as well as the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosing schedule.
• Storage: Cinryze should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.

It’s crucial for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider regarding any concerns or side effects experienced during treatment with Cinryze.

Other uses for this medicine

Apart from its primary use in the prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE), Cinryze is not typically used for other medical conditions due to its specific mechanism of action and indication. It is specifically designed to prevent attacks of HAE rather than treat other types of swelling or allergic reactions.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions for Cinryze:

• Allergic Reactions: Patients should be monitored for signs of allergic reactions during and after administration. Although rare, severe allergic reactions can occur.
• Thromboembolic Events: There have been reports of thromboembolic events (such as blood clots) in patients receiving Cinryze. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of clotting disorders or conditions that may predispose them to clot formation.
• Infusion Reactions: Infusion reactions, such as headache, nausea, rash, and fatigue, may occur. These are usually mild to moderate in severity but should be monitored nonetheless.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Cinryze in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
• Renal Impairment: Cinryze is cleared renally, so caution should be exercised in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary in these patients.
• Transmission of Infectious Agents: Cinryze is made from human plasma and may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, although the manufacturing process includes steps to reduce this risk.
• Hypersensitivity: Patients with known hypersensitivity to Cinryze or any of its components should not receive the medication.
• Immunogenicity: As with all protein therapeutic products, patients may develop antibodies to Cinryze which could potentially reduce its effectiveness over time.
• Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Cinryze have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the use of Cinryze. They will consider your medical history and any potential risks before recommending this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Cinryze. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is always recommended to support overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take your scheduled dose of Cinryze, contact your healthcare provider or infusion nurse for guidance. They will advise you on the best course of action based on your specific treatment plan. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cinryze, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most commonly reported side effects of Cinryze include:

• Headache: This is one of the more common side effects reported by patients receiving Cinryze.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience feelings of nausea during or after infusion.
• Fatigue: Feelings of tiredness or fatigue have been reported by some patients.
• Rash: Skin reactions, such as rash or itching, can occur.
• Dizziness: Some individuals may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Injection Site Reactions: These can include redness, swelling, or discomfort at the infusion site.
• Thromboembolic Events: Rarely, Cinryze may increase the risk of blood clots (thromboembolic events). This is a serious potential side effect that requires monitoring.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, Cinryze can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or throat. Immediate medical attention is needed if any of these symptoms occur.
• Flu-like Symptoms: Some patients may experience symptoms similar to a mild flu, such as fever, chills, or muscle aches.
• Liver Function Abnormalities: Changes in liver function tests have been reported in some patients.
• Immunogenicity: Development of antibodies against Cinryze may occur, potentially reducing its effectiveness over time.

It’s essential to report any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. They can help assess whether the symptoms are related to Cinryze and provide guidance on managing them effectively.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Cinryze:

• Storage: Cinryze should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). It should not be frozen. Keep Cinryze in its original packaging until ready to use to protect it from light.
• Handling: Handle Cinryze with care to prevent damage to the vials or contamination. Do not shake the vial.
• Unused Product: If you have unused Cinryze that you no longer need, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for proper disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency: If you experience severe allergic reactions (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or chest tightness) during or shortly after receiving Cinryze, seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Overdose: There is limited information available regarding overdose of Cinryze. If you suspect an overdose or have received more than the prescribed dose, contact your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 in the US) for advice.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up: Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and assessment of your response to Cinryze therapy.
• Patient Education: Understand the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and thromboembolic events (blood clots) associated with Cinryze. Promptly report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Travel: If you need to travel with Cinryze, ensure proper storage in a cooler with ice packs to maintain the recommended temperature range. Plan ahead for access to medical facilities in case of emergencies while traveling.
• Medical Alert: Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace indicating that you are receiving Cinryze treatment in case of emergencies.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The use of Cinryze during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed carefully with your healthcare provider.
• Regular Monitoring: Regular monitoring of kidney function, liver function, and other relevant laboratory tests may be necessary during Cinryze therapy.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Cinryze.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of Cinryze and consult them with any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment.