lanadelumab at a glance
Medicine class
Monoclonal antibody and plasma kallikrein inhibitor
Licensed role
Routine prevention of recurrent hereditary angioedema attacks in people aged 2 years and older
How it is given
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled syringe
Who starts treatment
A clinician experienced in managing hereditary angioedema
Breakthrough attacks
Follow the agreed emergency plan because lanadelumab does not treat acute attacks
What is lanadelumab used for?
UK-licensed use:
Routine prevention of recurrent hereditary angioedema attacks in patients aged 2 years and older.
How does lanadelumab work?
Lanadelumab inhibits active plasma kallikrein. This reduces production of bradykinin, which increases blood-vessel leakage and contributes to swelling during hereditary angioedema attacks.
lanadelumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take lanadelumab
Lanadelumab is injected under the skin. Use it only after appropriate training and follow the instructions supplied with the prescribed presentation.
Suitable areas are the abdomen, thighs and upper outer arms; rotate injection sites.
Adults and adolescents may self-inject, or a caregiver may inject, after healthcare-professional training.
Children younger than 12 years should receive injections from a trained caregiver.
Allow the refrigerated syringe to reach room temperature before use; do not shake it.
The solution should be clear or slightly opalescent and colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if discoloured or containing particles.
Each syringe is for one use and should be discarded in a sharps container.
lanadelumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, redness, bruising, itching, swelling or warmth
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Raised or blotchy rash
- Mild hypersensitivity symptoms, including itching or tongue discomfort or tingling
- Increased liver enzymes on blood testing
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek urgent assessment for breathing difficulty, collapse, or rapidly developing swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat.
lanadelumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and UK product information advises avoiding lanadelumab during pregnancy as a precaution. Contact the specialist promptly if pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant during treatment; do not stop treatment without advice.
lanadelumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether lanadelumab enters human milk. A risk to the baby cannot be excluded during the first few days after birth; subsequently it may be used if clinically needed. Discuss breastfeeding plans with the specialist, particularly around delivery and the early newborn period.
lanadelumab interactions
Clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected, although dedicated interaction studies have not been performed.
C1 esterase inhibitor rescue treatment
Concurrent use produces an expected additive effect on kallikrein-pathway biomarkers. Use rescue treatment according to the established attack plan.
Other medicines
Tell the specialist about all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products.
Common questions about lanadelumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can lanadelumab treat an attack that has already started?
No. It is preventive treatment. Breakthrough attacks require the rescue treatment specified in the emergency plan.
Can lanadelumab be self-injected?
Adults and adolescents may self-inject after healthcare-professional training. Children younger than 12 years should receive it from a trained caregiver.
Where should it be injected?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.