human C1-esterase inhibitor at a glance
Medicine class
Plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement
Main role
Treating and preventing hereditary angioedema swelling
Administration
Injected into a vein after reconstitution
Home treatment
Possible after specialist selection, training and continuing review
What is human C1-esterase inhibitor used for?
The selected product is licensed for hereditary angioedema.
Treating attacks in adults and children aged 2 years and over.
Preventing attacks around medical, dental or surgical procedures in adults and children aged 2 years and over.
Routine prevention in adults and children aged 6 years and over with severe, recurrent attacks when specified alternatives are unsuitable or inadequate.
How does human C1-esterase inhibitor work?
C1-esterase inhibitor normally restrains enzyme pathways including kallikrein and factor XIIa. Replacing deficient or poorly functioning inhibitor reduces uncontrolled bradykinin-pathway activation and helps control deep-tissue swelling.
human C1-esterase inhibitor preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 500 units
How to take human C1-esterase inhibitor
Cinryze is given into a vein after reconstitution with the supplied water for injections. A clinician usually prepares and administers it. Patients or caregivers require practical training before home administration.
Use clean, aseptic technique and the supplied transfer equipment.
Gently swirl the vial; do not shake it.
Use only a clear, colourless to slightly blue solution without visible particles.
Use the reconstituted solution promptly and record the product name and batch number.
Food does not affect administration because it is injected intravenously.
human C1-esterase inhibitor side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness or vomiting
- Rash, itching or skin redness
- Injection-site rash or pain
- Fever
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity, including widespread hives, chest tightness, wheezing, low blood pressure or collapse
- Venous thrombosis; possible blood-clot symptoms require urgent assessment, particularly with an indwelling catheter
human C1-esterase inhibitor in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience is limited but has not identified adverse effects on pregnancy or the baby. Use only when clearly indicated after discussion with the specialist or prescriber.
human C1-esterase inhibitor while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether human C1-esterase inhibitor passes into breast milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the clinical need for treatment.
human C1-esterase inhibitor interactions
No formal interaction studies have been performed. Tell the clinical team about prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products.
Common questions about human C1-esterase inhibitor
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it made from?
The selected product contains C1-esterase inhibitor purified from donated human plasma.
Can it be used at home?
Yes, by selected patients or caregivers who have been trained and whose technique is reviewed by the treating team.
Does it work like an antihistamine?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.