Uses of Berinert

Berinert is a type of protein made and circulating in the blood that helps control inflammation in the body. People with hereditary angioedema do not have enough of this protein. Hereditary angioedema can cause episodes of body swelling and symptoms such as stomach problems or shortness of breath. So how is the drug Berinert used? What are the side effects of using Berinert?

Berinert is used to treat swelling problems caused by an immune disease called Hereditary Angioedema (HAE). HAE is caused by low levels or improper functioning of a natural substance produced by the body (C1 esterase inhibitor). Symptoms such as swelling of the hands, feet, extremities, face, tongue, or throat may occur. Intestinal swelling can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting. Episodes of swelling can happen for no reason. This medication increases the level of C1 esterase inhibitor to help treat sudden episodes of swelling caused by hereditary angioedema.

Before receiving Berinert, tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke or blood clot.
Stop infusion of Berinert and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
Hives of the body; Wheezing or persistent shortness of breath; Feeling like you might pass out; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other serious side effects may include sudden numbness or weakness, chest pain, confusion, pain or swelling, and problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Berinert is made from human plasma that may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and checked to reduce the risk that it contains infectious agents, but there is still a small chance that it can transmit disease. Your doctor will tell you about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Use Berinert at the correct dose as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the medicine box label. Do not use this medicine in more, less or longer amounts than recommended on the label. Medicines can be taught how to use the injections at home. Berinert is injected into the body through a vein. Do not self-medicate with this medication if you do not understand how to use it and dispose of the needle after improperly injecting it. Read the full patient information, instructions provided to you written on the box. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine's uses and uses. Berinert is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a diluent before using it. Follow the instructions fully. Make sure you understand how to best mix and store the medication. Berinert should not be used if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to C1 esterase inhibitor supplementation. Screw the cap on but do not shake the mixed medicine or you may damage the medicine. Only prepare a dose when you are ready to inject yourself. The mixture of powder and diluent should be clear and colorless. Do not use mixed medicine if it has changed color or has clotted in it. Call your pharmacist to dispense a new medicine. Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medication is for one use only. Throw away the pack after one use, even if there is still medicine in it. Berinert contains no preservatives. Once you have pierced the rubber cap of a vial with a needle, you must use the vial immediately. You must discard it. After mixing Berinert with the diluent, use the injection immediately or store the mixture at room temperature and use within 8 hours. Store the medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place. Protect from light and do not freeze. Discard any unused vials after the expiration date on the label. Use a single-use needle and syringe. Follow local regulations for the disposal and disposal of used needles and syringes. Using a puncture-proof container, keep this trash can out of the reach of children and pets.

User dose for adults with hereditary angioedema:
For the treatment of acute episodes of abdominal pain, facial swelling, or laryngitis of HAE: Administer 20 units per kg of body weight intravenously at a rate inject approximately 4 mL per minute (500 units/10 mL). Pediatric dosing for hereditary angioedema 13 years and older:
Use 20 units per kilogram of body weight intravenously at an injection rate of approximately 4 ml per minute (500 units / 10 mL).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Berinert such as:
Hives ; Chest tightness, fast heart rate, light-headed feeling; Wheezing or shortness of breath, blue lips or gums; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common side effects of Berinert may include the following:
Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; Headache, dizziness; Nausea, vomiting; pain, bruising, itching and swelling, bleeding, fever, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected; stuffy nose, sore throat; Rash

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially Testosterone or birth control pills.
This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with C1 esterase inhibitors, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Above is some information about the use of Berinert, if you need advice or have any questions, please consult a qualified doctor / pharmacist for answers.

Reference sources: drugs.com, holevn.org