What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Firazyr (Icatibant)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Your doctor may prescribe Firazyr for acute episodes of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults. It is an injectable medication that can be self-administered when you are about to have an HAE episode.
HAE is a rare genetic disorder that can cause rapid swelling in areas such as the face, throat, stomach, or limbs. This swelling can be particularly dangerous if it affects the airways.
The active component, icatibant, functions as a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist. By inhibiting bradykinin—a substance that causes blood vessels to dilate—Firazyr helps to reduce the swelling and discomfort that occur during HAE attacks.
Fact Table
Formula
C59H89N19O13
License
US FDA, EMA
Bioavailability
97% (subcutaneous)
Legal status
Prescription only (Rx)
Chemical Name
D-Arginyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-7-aminoheptanoyl-D-tyrosyl-L-5-iodotryptophanyl-
L-threonyl-L-seryl-L-methionyl-D-norleucyl-L-bradykininElimination half-life
1.4 to 2 hours
Dosage (Strength)
30 mg/3 mL solution for injection
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Firazyr
Protein binding
44%
PubChem CID
16132319
MedlinePlus
a611054
ChEBI
CHEBI:68603
ATC code
B06AC02
DrugBank
DB06167
KEGG
D09748
Routes of administration
Subcutaneous
Directions
Firazyr is given by subcutaneous injection under the skin into the abdomen. The usual dose is 30 mg per injection.
If symptoms persist or return, additional doses may be administered, but no more than three doses should be taken within 24 hours, with a minimum interval of 6 hours between doses.
A healthcare professional should properly train patients to self-administer Firazyr before using it independently.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Firazyr is icatibant.
Interactions
Common drug-drug interactions may include:
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Fosinopril
- Lisinopril
- Moexipril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Trandolapril
Cautions
Avoid using Firazyr if you have a known allergy to icatibant or any other ingredients in the medication.
Before starting Firazyr, inform your doctor if you have any history of heart disease, blood clots, or severe allergic reactions.
Firazyr should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary, so discuss any potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Since it is unknown whether Firazyr passes into breast milk, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of this drug may include:
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
- Injection site disorder
- Liver enzyme levels above the reference range
- Nausea
- Rash
References
Firazyr [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Shire Orphan Therapies; 2011.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 14613
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