Hereditary angioedema
Overview
What is hereditary angioedema?
Hereditary angioedema, or HAE, is a rare, potentially disabling and life-threatening genetic disorder characterized by episodes of severe swelling (angioedema) in the hands, feet, genitals, stomach, face and/or throat.
How common is hereditary angioedema?
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people.1
Questions regarding your hereditary angioedema therapy?
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1. https://www.haea.org/HAEdisease.php
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of hereditary angioedema?
The main symptom of HAE is swelling (angioedema). Swelling (angioedema) occurs or reoccurs in the hands, feet, gastrointestinal tract, genitals and throat that can develop over several hours and can last for two to five days. Painful swelling in hands and feet can decrease daily activities. When swelling (angioedema) involves the face or throat, seek immediate medical treatment. Swelling of the throat is dangerous due to blockage of the airways of the lungs and could be deadly. Swelling in the stomach can result in severe pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and dehydration. These symptoms vary in frequency, severity and location from patient to patient.2
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema is based upon patient history and physical findings during episodes of swelling (angioedema) combined with unexplained abdominal pain, family history and X-rays. Blood and genetic samples are also required to diagnose and distinguish between the two different types of hereditary angioedema, Type I and II.
2. https://www.haea.org/WhatIsHAE.pdf
Medications
Hereditary Angioedema
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, your specialty pharmacy, for the treatment of hereditary angioedema.
| Drug | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Berinert® (C1 esterase inhibitor) | CSL Behring LLC. |
| Cinryze® (C1 esterase inhibitor) | Shire |
| Haegarda® (C1 esterase inhibitor [subcutaneous]) | CSL Behring, LLC. |
| Ruconest® (C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant]) | Pharming Healthcare, Inc |
| Firazyr® (icatibant injection) | Shire |
| Kalbitor® (ecallantide) | Shire |
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Find Support
Hereditary Angioedema Organizations
Meet the Team
Your Accredo hereditary angioedema team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
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