Icatibant Stada (Icatibant)

Icatibant is used to manage acute attacks of hereditary angioedema, a disorder driven by excessive bradykinin activity.

• Hereditary angioedema (C1 inhibitor deficiency): reduces swelling during acute attacks.
• Hereditary angioedema type I: provides rapid relief of edema.
• Hereditary angioedema type II: provides rapid relief of edema.

• Icatibant selectively blocks the bradykinin B2 receptor, preventing bradykinin‑induced vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. By antagonizing this receptor, the drug interrupts the pathway that leads to the rapid swelling characteristic of hereditary angioedema attacks, thereby limiting edema formation.

Icatibant may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are related to the injection site or systemic exposure.

Common Side Effects

• Injection site pain: mild to moderate discomfort at the injection site.
• Redness or erythema: localized skin redness.
• Swelling at injection site: transient edema.
• Nausea: occasional gastrointestinal upset.
• Headache: mild to moderate.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic reaction: severe allergic response requiring immediate medical attention.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure.
• Angioedema unrelated to HAE: unexpected swelling of face, lips, or airway.
• Thrombocytopenia: low platelet count observed in rare cases.
• Necrotic injection site: tissue damage at injection site.
• Severe hypersensitivity: rash, fever, or organ involvement.

Before using Icatibant, consider the following safety measures.

• Pregnancy: safety not established; use only if potential benefit justifies the risk.
• Breastfeeding: unknown safety; weigh benefits against possible infant exposure.
• Renal impairment: no specific dosage adjustment, but monitor renal function.
• Concomitant ACE inhibitors: may increase risk of bradykinin‑mediated angioedema; assess need for co‑administration.
• Hypersensitivity: do not use in patients with known allergy to icatibant or any excipients.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Icatibant can interact with other medicines that influence bradykinin pathways or vascular tone.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors: may potentiate bradykinin‑mediated angioedema; avoid concurrent use.
• Angiotensin receptor blockers: increased risk of angioedema; avoid co‑administration.
• Prophylactic C1‑inhibitor concentrate: simultaneous use may confound clinical assessment; avoid.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: may exacerbate edema; monitor for worsening symptoms.
• Estrogen‑containing contraceptives: can increase frequency of HAE attacks; observe closely.
• Diuretics: may affect fluid balance; watch for hypotension or electrolyte shifts.