What is Berinert: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Berinert

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins or as a shot under your skin.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are itchy, swollen, painful, red, bruised, or have scars or stretch marks.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Use a silicone-free syringe when using this medicine.

• Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or if it has particles in it.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Store unopened vials in the original carton in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Let the medicine come to room temperature before you mix it with the sterile water for injection.

• Berinert® and Haegard®: After you mix the medicine, use it within 8 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze the mixed liquid.

• Cinryze®: After you mix the medicine, use it within 3 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze the mixed liquid.

• Ruconest®: After you mix the medicine, use it right away, or store it in the refrigerator and use it within 8 hours.

• Throw away the vial after use, even if there is medicine left in it.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Berinert

Berinert contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to C1 esterase inhibitor. Do not use Ruconest® if you are allergic to rabbits or rabbit-derived products.

Berinert warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of blood clots or heart or blood vessel disease.

• This medicine may increase your risk for blood clots.

• Berinert®, Cinryze®, and Haegarda® are made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk of infection from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Berinert interactions

• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills or other hormones.

• An HAE attack may become life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away, or go to an emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel better after you use this medicine.

• This medicine may increase your risk for blood clots.

• Berinert® and Cinryze® are made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk of infection from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.