Firazyr is designed for self-injection, meaning most people with HAE learn how to use it themselves when they feel an attack starting.

Steps to Use Firazyr:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
   
   
2. Remove the pre-filled syringe from the packaging.
   
   
3. Choose an injection site, usually the stomach (abdomen), at least 2 inches away from the belly button.
   
   
4. Clean the skin with an alcohol wipe.
   
   
5. Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45–90 degree angle.
   
   
6. Push the plunger to inject all the medicine.
   
   
7. Remove the needle and throw it away in a sharps container.
   
   
8. Watch for improvement and possible side effects.
   
   

A healthcare provider will teach you how to inject Firazyr safely and correctly. Always follow your training or speak to your doctor or nurse if unsure.

Firazyr contains the active ingredient icatibant, which is a bradykinin B2 receptor blocker.

In people with HAE, too much of a substance called bradykinin is made during an attack. Bradykinin causes blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to swelling in different parts of the body.

Firazyr blocks the action of bradykinin by attaching to the bradykinin receptors. This prevents swelling, reduces pain, and helps the body return to normal faster.

Firazyr works quickly, usually within 2 hours, and is very helpful for stopping an HAE attack in progress.

Firazyr is usually safe, but it can cause side effects in some people.

Common Side Effects:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site (very common)
  
  
• Fever or feeling hot
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Nausea (feeling sick)
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Itching or rash
  
  

Most of these side effects are mild and go away quickly.

Serious Side Effects (Rare):

• Allergic reaction (rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue)
  
  
• Heart problems in people with heart disease (very rare)
  
  

If you notice anything serious or unusual, get medical help immediately. Let your doctor know if you have any side effects after using Firazyr.

Before using Firazyr, tell your doctor if you:

• Have heart disease or a history of stroke
  
  
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  
  
• Are breastfeeding
  
  
• Are allergic to icatibant or any of the ingredients in the syringe
  
  
• Have trouble giving yourself injections
  
  
• Have any other health conditions or are taking other medications
  
  

Important Warnings:

• Do not use Firazyr to prevent HAE attacks—it is only for treatment during an active attack.
  
  
• Do not inject into a vein or muscle—only inject under the skin.
  
  
• Keep Firazyr in the original packaging, stored at room temperature.
  
  
• Do not reuse syringes. Always use a new one for each dose.
  
  

Firazyr should only be used by people who have been trained by a healthcare provider.

Firazyr does not have many drug interactions, but you should always tell your doctor if you are using:

• Other medicines for HAE
  
  
• Blood pressure medications (especially ACE inhibitors)
  
  
• Any injections or hormone therapies
  
  

Although Firazyr is generally safe with other medicines, it’s important to discuss your full medical history with your doctor.

Firazyr is always given in the same dose for adults:

• 30 mg per injection
  
  

Up to three injections in 24 hours are allowed, with at least 6 hours between doses.

If you are using Firazyr:

• Use it as soon as you feel an attack beginning.
  
  
• If symptoms come back, you may take another dose after 6 hours.
  
  
• Do not use more than 3 injections in 24 hours.
  
  
• Do not use Firazyr for anything other than HAE attacks.
  
  

Always keep your Firazyr injection kit with you, especially when traveling or away from home.

Firazyr is a prescription-only medicine. You cannot buy it without a prescription from a licensed doctor.

To get a prescription:

1. Your doctor must confirm that you have hereditary angioedema (HAE).
   
   
2. You may need to take blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
   
   
3. If approved, your doctor will teach you how to use Firazyr at home.
   
   
4. You may receive the medicine through a special pharmacy or delivery program.
   
   

Some people may qualify for insurance support or patient assistance programs to help pay for Firazyr, as it can be expensive.

• What is Firazyr used for?
  It is used to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults and children aged 2 years and older.
  HAE is a rare genetic disorder that causes sudden swelling of the skin, face, throat, or abdomen.

• What is the brand name?
  Firazyr® (U.S. and worldwide).

• What is the active ingredient?
  Icatibant acetate.

• How does Firazyr work?

  • It blocks the action of bradykinin, a chemical that causes blood vessels to leak fluid into surrounding tissues — the main cause of HAE swelling.

  • By blocking bradykinin at the bradykinin B2 receptor, it quickly reduces swelling and pain during an attack.

• What type of medication is it?
  A bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.

• How is Firazyr administered?

  • Given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the abdomen.

  • Typically one 30 mg dose (3 mL) injected during an HAE attack.

  • If symptoms persist, additional doses may be given at least 6 hours apart, up to 3 doses in 24 hours.

  • Can be self-administered after proper training.

• What are the available strengths and forms?

  • Pre-filled syringe: 30 mg/3 mL solution for injection.

• How fast does Firazyr work?

  • Symptom relief often begins within 30–60 minutes.

  • Most patients experience significant improvement within 2 hours.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling — very common)

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea or dizziness

  • Fever or headache

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare but possible:

  • Allergic reactions (rash, hives, throat tightness)

  • Recurrent swelling of the larynx or airway — seek emergency help if breathing difficulty occurs

  • Low blood pressure (rare)

• Who should not use Firazyr?

  • Individuals allergic to icatibant or any of its ingredients.

  • Caution in patients with acute ischemic heart disease or stroke, as bradykinin blockade can affect blood flow.

• Can Firazyr be used during pregnancy?
  Use only if clearly needed — data in pregnant women are limited; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

• Can I use it while breastfeeding?
  Yes, but use with caution — minimal systemic absorption expected; consult your doctor before use.

• Can Firazyr be used in children?
  Yes — approved for children ≥2 years old, with weight-based dosing.

• Does Firazyr interact with other medications?

  • No significant drug interactions known.

  • Always inform your doctor about any ACE inhibitors, as they also affect bradykinin and may worsen swelling.

• How should I store Firazyr?

  • Store at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F).

  • Keep in its original carton, away from heat and light.

  • Do not freeze.

• Is there a generic available?
  No — Firazyr® (icatibant) is currently brand-only.

• Where can I get it?
  Available by prescription only, often through specialty pharmacies that support rare disease treatments.