# Icatibant

> Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide approved for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, a rare genetic condition caused by C1-inhibitor deficiency that leads to episodes of severe swelling. It is designed for patient self-administration by subcutaneous injection at the first sign of an attack, offering an alternative to hospital-based treatments such as C1-inhibitor concentrate. It is not used for prophylaxis and does not treat the underlying enzyme deficiency. It is available only by prescription.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/icatibant
- Also known as: Firazyr
- Primary category: Other & Clinical
- Effectiveness rank: #21 in Other & Clinical
- Evidence level: Well studied
- Route: Subcutaneous (Slow subcutaneous injection into the abdominal area; designed for patient self-administration at the onset of an attack.)
- Dose range: 30-90 mg
- Dose tiers: low 30 mg; moderate 30 mg; high 90 mg
- Half-life: Approximately 1 to 2 hours
- Timing: As needed, during an attack
- Cycle: Administered only during an acute hereditary angioedema attack, as needed on, No treatment between attacks; not used for prophylaxis off (Patients are typically trained by a healthcare provider before self-administering at home.)
- Storage: Store prefilled syringes at room temperature, generally below 25-30°C per product labeling; protect from light; do not freeze.

## Mechanism of action

Icatibant is a selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist. In hereditary angioedema, deficient or dysfunctional C1-inhibitor leads to excessive bradykinin generation, which drives vascular permeability and the characteristic swelling of an attack. By blocking bradykinin from binding B2 receptors on vascular endothelium, icatibant interrupts this pathway directly, regardless of the underlying C1-inhibitor defect.

## Reported benefits

- Allows rapid, self-administered treatment of acute HAE attacks outside a hospital setting
- Directly targets the bradykinin pathway responsible for HAE swelling
- Consistent efficacy independent of attack location (abdominal, facial, or laryngeal)

## Reported side effects

- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), reported in the large majority of patients
- Fever
- Transient elevation in liver transaminases
- Dizziness

## Common protocols

- Firazyr self-administered subcutaneous injection at the onset of hereditary angioedema attack symptoms

## Stacking notes

Used as monotherapy for a given acute attack; not typically combined with C1-inhibitor concentrate for the same episode in standard practice.

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