Starting Firazyr (icatibant)Your first 90 days with hereditary angioedema (HAE): the steps, the dates and who to call

How you take it

The label dose is one shot under the skin of the belly when an HAE attack starts, from a prefilled syringe. It is not taken on a schedule, and it is for adults 18 and older.

Before your first dose

• Your doctor's office signs you up with Takeda Patient Support, the drugmaker's support program, online or by fax.
• Your insurance approves the medicine. Some plans want blood test results that confirm your type of HAE.
• Some plans want generic icatibant, the same medicine without the brand name, before they pay for brand Firazyr.
• A nurse or your care team teaches you or a caregiver how to give the shot before you need it.
• You know what the Firazyr leaflet says about a throat attack. It says to inject Firazyr and then go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

The first 90 days

1. Before the first fillSign-up, then the insurance check
2. Once approvedThe pharmacy sets up delivery, and you learn to give the shot
3. Delivery daySyringes in hand
4. When an attack startsWhat the label says to do when an attack starts
5. After any useGetting a new syringe after you use one
6. Day 90Three months in