Common Questions About KALBITOR

Make sure to ask your doctor if KALBITOR is right for you. Below are some common questions about KALBITOR.

Q.What is KALBITOR?
A.

KALBITOR is a prescription medicine used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). KALBITOR is not a cure for HAE. KALBITOR is approved for people 16 years of age and older.

Q.What are the possible side effects of KALBITOR?
A.The side effects of KALBITOR may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fever, injection site reactions, such as redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising, and stuffy nose. Serious allergic reactions may happen in some people who receive KALBITOR. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 1 hour after receiving KALBITOR. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction after treatment with KALBITOR.
Q.What is the most important safety information that I should know about KALBITOR?
A.

Serious allergic reactions may happen in some people who receive KALBITOR. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 1 hour after receiving KALBITOR.

KALBITOR is not approved for self-administration and should only be administered by a doctor or nurse with appropriate medical support to manage serious allergic reactions and HAE. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to KALBITOR can be similar to the symptoms of HAE, the condition that you are being treated for. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction after treatment with KALBITOR.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction during or after treatment with KALBITOR:

  • wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
  • dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat, or feeling nervous
  • reddening of the face, itching, hives, or feeling warm
  • swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
  • runny nose or sneezing
Q.Can KALBITOR treat symptoms of an HAE attack anywhere in the body?
A.KALBITOR is the first under-the-skin (subcutaneous) treatment approved for all acute HAE attack locations, including the larynx (throat), face, hands, feet, genitals (sex organs), and abdomen (stomach).
Q.How effective is KALBITOR?
A.In clinical studies, most patients treated with KALBITOR had reduction in acute attack symptoms at 4 hours and sustained improvement of symptoms at 24 hours.
Q.Who should not receive KALBITOR?
A.Do not receive KALBITOR if you are allergic to KALBITOR.
Q.What is KALBITOR made of?
A.The active ingredient in KALBITOR is ecallantide (e-KAL-lan-tide), which is a small protein made in yeast cells. KALBITOR is not a blood product.
Q.How is KALBITOR given?
A.For each dose, you will receive three injections just under the skin, usually in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Q.What should I tell my doctor before I receive KALBITOR?
A.

Before receiving KALBITOR, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to KALBITOR
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; it is not known if KALBITOR will harm your unborn baby
  • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed; it is not known if KALBITOR passes into breast milk

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Q.If my doctor prescribes KALBITOR, what’s the next step?
A.If your doctor prescribes KALBITOR, contact KALBITOR Access, our comprehensive support services program.  KALBITOR Access specialists will help ensure that your KALBITOR treatment is available for you when you need it at your doctor's office or nearby hospital.  They will also provide you with health insurance coverage verification and assistance with affording KALBITOR. Learn more about KALBITOR Access.
Q.What is KALBITOR Access?
A.KALBITOR Access provides support services to patients and healthcare professionals. Our health insurance specialists and nurse case managers will answer any questions you may have and help coordinate access to KALBITOR. The services available through KALBITOR Access include health insurance support, financial assistance for qualified patients, and treatment location set up.
Q.How much will KALBITOR cost me?
A.The cost to patients varies depending on different factors. In most cases, health insurance companies will cover the cost of your KALBITOR treatment. KALBITOR Access program staff will evaluate your health insurance coverage to determine your individual out of pocket cost.  You will be assessed for financial assistance if you do not have coverage or need help paying for your KALBITOR treatment.
Q.What if I can’t afford KALBITOR?
A.KALBITOR Access helps people taking KALBITOR manage health insurance and financial issues. Everyone who calls KALBITOR Access is evaluated for financial assistance based on their individual eligibility. The goal of KALBITOR Access is to make KALBITOR available and accessible to patients. Learn more about KALBITOR Access financial assistance.