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Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

How Cinryze Works and How It’s Taken

Cinryze is a C1 esterase inhibitor replacement treatment. It replaces a blood protein that is missing or does not work properly in people with HAE.

Cinryze inactivates proteins called kallikrein and factor XIIa (12a). This is thought to reduce the production of bradykinin, a substance that can cause blood vessels to leak fluid and lead to swelling.

Doctors prescribe Cinryze to help prevent HAE attacks in people 6 years of age and older.

Cinryze is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It may be given at home if a healthcare provider has taught you how to prepare and give it.

Typical Dosing for HAE

The recommended dose of Cinryze for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is 1,000 international units by IV infusion every three or four days.

The recommended dose of Cinryze for children 6 to 11 years of age is 500 international units by IV infusion every three or four days.

A healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on how well the treatment works. For adults and adolescents, doses up to 2,000 international units every three or four days may be considered. The dose must not be more than 80 international units per kilogram.

For children 6 to 11 years of age, the dose may be increased up to 1,000 international units every three or four days.

Cinryze is infused at a rate of 1 milliliter per minute. A 500 international unit dose is given over five minutes. A 1,000 international unit dose is given over 10 minutes.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

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Cinryze Side Effects

In clinical studies of Cinryze for routine prevention of HAE attacks in people ages 6 years and older, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 19 percent of people. These include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Cinryze can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

  • Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions — These allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can cause hives, chest tightness, wheezing, low blood pressure, or trouble breathing.
  • Thromboembolic events (blood clots) — Clots in veins or arteries can lead to problems like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, warmth, or discoloration in an arm or leg, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
  • Risk of transmitting infections from human blood products — Because Cinryze is made from human blood, there is a risk of transmitting viruses or other infectious agents despite careful screening and processing.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

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How To Save on Cinryze

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., the manufacturer of Cinryze, offers the Takeda Patient Support Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may have up to 100 percent of their out-of-pocket copay costs covered.

The Takeda Patient Support Co-Pay Assistance Program also offers help coordinating treatment through your specialty pharmacy or site of care, navigating the health insurance process, and connecting you with educational and community support resources.

To learn more, visit the Takeda Patient Support Co-Pay Assistance Program website or call 866-888-0660.

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What To Know Before Taking Cinryze

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to C1 esterase inhibitor (human) or any ingredients in Cinryze.

Before using Cinryze, tell your doctor if you have had blood clots or have risk factors for blood clots. These may include:

  • Heart or blood vessel disease
  • A previous stroke or blood clot
  • An indwelling catheter in a vein
  • Being unable to move for a long time
  • Use of birth control pills or certain androgens

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not take Cinryze if you have had a life-threatening immediate allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, to the product.

If you miss a dose of Cinryze, call your healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Cinryze, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

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Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Cinryze for HAE?

In a 12-week study of 22 people with HAE, people had an average of 6.1 attacks while taking Cinryze. They had an average of 12.7 attacks while taking placebo.

Cinryze also reduced the number of days with swelling by 66 percent. Attacks were less severe and lasted for less time on average.

In a 12-week study of children ages 7 to 11, HAE attacks were reduced by an average of 71.1 percent with 500 international units and 84.5 percent with 1,000 international units compared with the period before treatment.

How long does Cinryze take to work for HAE?

Cinryze increased C1 inhibitor levels in the blood within about one hour or less after an IV infusion. However, the prescribing information does not say exactly how soon protection from HAE attacks begins.

Cinryze is used for routine prevention of HAE attacks and is usually given every three or four days.

Can I self-administer Cinryze for HAE?

Yes. You may be able to give Cinryze to yourself after a healthcare provider teaches you how to prepare and inject it safely into a vein.

Do not try to give Cinryze to yourself unless you have been trained by a healthcare provider. Always follow the instructions they give you.

Cinryze is used to help prevent HAE attacks. Call your healthcare provider right away if your swelling is not controlled after using Cinryze.

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