Conestat alfa
Generic name: conestat alfa [ KONE-stat-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Ruconest
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (2100 intl units)
Drug class:Hereditary angioedema agents
What is conestat alfa?
Conestat alfa is a manmade form of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor that occurs naturally in the bloodstream and helps control swelling in the body. People with a condition called hereditary angioedema do not have enough of this protein. Hereditary angioedema can cause attacks of swelling and symptoms such as stomach problems or trouble breathing.
Conestat alfa is used to treat angioedema attacks in people with hereditary angioedema. Conestat alfa is for use in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.
Conestat alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use conestat alfa if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit products (meat, fur, pelt).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use conestat alfa if you are allergic to it, or:
if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit products (meat, fur, pelt); or
if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to conestat alfa or to another C1 esterase inhibitor (such as Berinert or Cinryze).
To make sure conestat alfa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); or
a history of stroke or blood clot.
This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether conestat alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Conestat alfa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old.
How is conestat alfa given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use conestat alfa in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Conestat alfa is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Conestat alfa is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your pharmacist what type of diluent can safely be mixed with conestat alfa powder.
Wash your hands before mixi...
