conestat alfa at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor
Usual role
Treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attacks due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency
Administration
Reconstituted and injected slowly into a vein
Special precaution
Must not be used with a known or suspected rabbit allergy
What is conestat alfa used for?
Licensed use:
Treatment of acute angioedema attacks in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and over with hereditary angioedema caused by C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency.
It is not licensed as routine preventive treatment.
How does conestat alfa work?
C1 esterase inhibitor helps control complement and contact systems in the blood. Conestat alfa temporarily replaces this control by inhibiting enzymes involved in the swelling process.
How to take conestat alfa
The powder is reconstituted with water for injections, and the clear, colourless solution is injected slowly into a vein. Follow the emergency plan supplied by the specialist service.
Use aseptic technique and do not use the solution if it contains particles or is discoloured.
Each vial is for single use.
The powder-only presentation is administered by a healthcare professional. Home administration of the powder-and-solvent presentation may be considered after training and agreement with the treating clinician.
Food does not affect administration because the medicine is given intravenously.
conestat alfa side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another hypersensitivity reaction, including hives, widespread rash, chest tightness, wheezing, low blood pressure, faintness or collapse.
- Sudden mouth, tongue or throat swelling or breathing difficulty requires emergency assessment.
conestat alfa in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is lacking. Use is not recommended unless the treating clinician judges that the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk. Specialist planning is important.
conestat alfa while breastfeeding
There is no clinical experience during breastfeeding. Use is not recommended unless the treating clinician considers that the benefit outweighs the possible risk.
conestat alfa interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. The specified interaction is:
Tissue-type plasminogen activator, such as alteplase
Conestat alfa should not be administered simultaneously with it because an interaction has been reported for C1 inhibitor-containing products.
Common questions about conestat alfa
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does conestat alfa prevent future attacks?
The selected products are licensed to treat acute attacks, not as routine preventive treatment.
Can children receive conestat alfa?
It is licensed for acute attacks in children aged 2 years and over under specialist supervision.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.