Cinryze (complement C1 esterase inhibitor) is a man-made form of a protein that occurs naturally in the blood stream and helps control inflammation in the body. In people with hereditary angioedema, complement C1 esterase inhibitor does not function properly or occurs in low levels.
Complement C1 esterase inhibitor is used in people with hereditary angioedema. Hereditary angioedema can cause attacks of swelling and symptoms such as stomach problems or trouble breathing. The Cinryze brand is used to prevent attacks of angioedema. The Berinert brand of this medicine is used to treat attacks of angioedema.
Important information
You should not use Cinryze if have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to complement C1 esterase inhibitor.
Before you receive Cinryze, tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke or blood clot.
Do not give this medication to a child without medical advice.
You may be shown how to use Cinryze in an IV at home. Cinryze comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow all directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not self-inject Cinryze if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine. Be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Stop your IV infusion and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing or difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Cinryze is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Before using this medicine
You should not use Cinryze if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to complement C1 esterase inhibitor.
If possible before you receive Cinryze, tell your doctor if you have:
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a history of stroke or blood clot; or
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if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit products (meat, fur, pelt).
It is not known whether Cinryze will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether complement C1 esterase inhibitor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Cinryze is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I use Cinryze?
Use Cinryze exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Cinryze is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use Cinryze in an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Cinryze comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Cinryze is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using this medicine at home, you will need to use two vials of Cinryze to make up a single dose. Follow all directions carefully. Be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Gently swirl but do not shake the mixed medicine or you may ruin it. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give yourself an injection.
Mixed Cinryze should be clear or slightly blue in color. Do not use the mixed medicine if it has changed colors, is cloudy, or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Cinryze is usually given every 3 or 4 days to prevent angioedema attacks. An IV infusion takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Cinryze contains no preservative. Once you have pierced the rubber top of a vial with a needle, you must use that vial right away or throw it away.
Each single use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Store the unmixed dry powder in a refrigerator or in a dark cool place. Keep the medicine protected from light and do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused vial after the expiration date on the label has passed. After mixing Cinryze with the diluent, use it right away or store the mixture at room temperature and use it within 3 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include sudden headache, numbness, weakness, or problems with your speech, vision, or balance.
What should I avoid after using Cinryze?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Cinryze side effects
Stop your IV infusion and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cinryze: hives; wheezing or difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effect, such as:
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new or worsening pain;
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
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sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
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stomach pain or swelling;
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chest pain, sudden cough, rapid breathing, fast heart rate; or
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pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Common Cinryze side effects may include:
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nausea, diarrhea;
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altered sense of taste;
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rash; or
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headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Cinryze?
Other drugs may interact with complement C1 esterase inhibitor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
