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Kalbitor (ecallantide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in people ages 12 and older.
Kalbitor is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor. It blocks a protein called plasma kallikrein. This lowers the amount of bradykinin made during an attack. Too much bradykinin can cause swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Doctors prescribe Kalbitor to treat sudden attacks of HAE in people 12 years of age and older.
Kalbitor is given by a healthcare professional. It should be given in a healthcare setting that can treat serious allergic reactions and HAE.
For each dose, you will receive three injections under the skin. The injections may be given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
The recommended dose of Kalbitor for HAE is 30 milligrams. It is given as three separate injections of 10 milligrams each.
If the attack continues, a healthcare professional may give another 30-milligram dose within 24 hours.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Kalbitor occurred in about 3 percent to 8 percent of people. These include:
Kalbitor can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., the manufacturer of Kalbitor, 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 understanding insurance coverage, coordinating treatment through your specialty pharmacy or site of care, arranging in-home injection training, 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.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Kalbitor.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Kalbitor if you have had a serious allergic reaction to ecallantide or any of its ingredients.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Kalbitor, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Kalbitor for HAE?
In two studies of sudden HAE attacks, people who received Kalbitor had greater symptom improvement at four hours than people who received a placebo.
In one study, the mean symptom severity score changed by -0.8 with Kalbitor and -0.4 with placebo. The treatment outcome score was 53 with Kalbitor and 8 with placebo.
In the second study, the mean symptom severity score changed by -1.1 with Kalbitor and -0.6 with placebo. The treatment outcome score was 63 with Kalbitor and 36 with placebo.
Fewer people treated with Kalbitor needed additional medical treatment for symptoms that had not improved within 24 hours.
How long does Kalbitor take to work for HAE?
The studies measured symptom improvement at four hours. At that time, people treated with Kalbitor had better results than people given placebo.
The study does not say exactly how soon Kalbitor starts to relieve symptoms. After one 30-milligram dose, the medicine reached its mean highest blood level in about two to three hours.
Can Kalbitor be self-administered for HAE?
No. Kalbitor should not be self-administered. Because it can cause anaphylaxis, Kalbitor must be given by a healthcare professional in a setting with appropriate medical support to treat anaphylaxis and HAE.
On myHAEteam, people share their experiences with HAE, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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