If you have hereditary angioedema (HAE), your doctor may recommend that you use Takhzyro. It’s a prescription drug that’s used to prevent attacks of HAE.

HAE is a genetic condition that can cause episodes of swelling. These attacks may affect your hands, feet, face, or airway, and they can be severe.

Takhzyro is prescribed for adults and some children with HAE.

Takhzyro basics

Takhzyro comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin.

It contains the drug lanadelumab-flyo, which is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms.

Takhzyro isn’t available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are comparable to generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.) Instead, lanadelumab-flyo only comes as the brand-name drug Takhzyro.

Read on to learn more about Takhzyro’s uses, dosages, side effects, and more.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary, depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Takhzyro manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

Like most drugs, Takhzyro may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Takhzyro may cause. These lists don’t include all the possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • other medications you may be taking

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Takhzyro. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Takhzyro can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Takhzyro’s patient counseling information.

Mild side effects of Takhzyro that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Takhzyro can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects of the drug, call your doctor right away. However, if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Takhzyro that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects that Takhzyro may cause.

Injection site reaction

You may have injection site reactions to Takhzyro. These are skin reactions that happen where doses of the drug are injected.

Injection site reactions were common in studies of this medication.

Examples of some injection site reactions that may occur with Takhzyro include:

  • pain
  • redness
  • bruising
  • itching
  • swelling
  • warmth
  • rash

What might help

If you have an injection site reaction to Takhzyro, talk with your doctor. Depending on your specific reaction, your doctor may be able to recommend ways to reduce it.

For example, if you have pain or swelling at your injection site, your doctor may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication. This could include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

If you have any concerns about injection site reactions to Takhzyro, talk with your doctor.

Upper respiratory infections

You may have upper respiratory infections, such as a common cold, with Takhzyro. Upper respiratory infections were one of the most common side effects in studies of the drug.

Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection may include:

What might help

If you develop symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, tell your doctor. They may be able to give you medications to help treat your symptoms.

If you get these infections often while you’re using Takhzyro, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a treatment other than Takhzyro for you.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Takhzyro.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Takhzyro. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Takhzyro that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always use the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Forms

Takhzyro comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin. Your doctor will teach you or your caregiver how to inject Takhzyro.

Recommended dosage

You’ll have a dose of Takhzyro once every 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use Takhzyro once every 4 weeks instead.

Questions about Takhzyro’s dosage

Here’s a list of commonly asked questions about using Takhzyro.

  • What if I miss a dose of Takhzyro? If you miss a dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend the best time to have your next dose. In some cases, they may recommend that you have your dose as soon as you remember. In other cases, they may recommend that you skip the missed dose and have your next dose at the scheduled time.
  • Will I need to use Takhzyro long term? If Takhzyro works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you use it long term.
  • How long does Takhzyro take to work? Takhzyro may take time to work to prevent your symptoms. The drug can begin to work as soon as you have your first dose. But, it may take about 70 days for the medication to be at a steady level in your body. So, even if you don’t notice a decrease in your symptoms right away, you should still have your Takhzyro doses as recommended.

Find answers to some common questions about Takhzyro.

How does Takhzyro work?

Takhzyro is used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). These attacks cause swelling and may affect your hands, feet, face, or airway. They can also cause serious effects, such as trouble breathing and pain.

People with HAE have low levels of the C1 inhibitor protein. This is important in helping to control levels of another protein in your body, called kallikrein. If you have low levels of the C1 inhibitor protein, you develop high levels of kallikrein.

Kallikrein works to control your blood pressure, but it also makes another protein, called bradykinin. If you have too much kallikrein, your body makes too much bradykinin. And bradykinin causes HAE attacks to occur.

Takhzyro’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to block kallikrein, so that it doesn’t cause as much bradykinin to be made. This reduces how often HAE attacks happen.

It’s important to note that Takhzyro only works to prevent HAE attacks from occurring. It’s not meant to treat an HAE attack that’s already happening. Ask your doctor about options to treat an HAE attack that’s happening.

If you’d like to know more about how this drug works, see this video on the manufacturer’s website. Also, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Takhzyro similar to Firazyr?

Both Takhzyro and Firazyr are used in people with HAE. But these medications have different purposes:

  • Takhzyro is used to prevent HAE attacks from occurring. It’s used once every 2 weeks or once every month. And it’s given as an injection under the skin.
  • Firazyr is used to treat HAE attacks that are currently happening. It’s also given as an injection under the skin. But you’ll only need to use Firazyr if you’re having an HAE attack.

These medications also have different dosages, and possibly different side effects, too.

If you have more questions about the differences between Takhzyro and Firazyr, talk with your doctor.

Will Takhzyro cure my condition?

No, Takhzyro won’t cure HAE. In fact, there’s currently no cure for HAE.

But, Takhzyro will help decrease the number of HAE attacks you have by preventing them from happening.

Your doctor will explain how you should inject Takhzyro. They will also explain how much to use and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.

Using Takhzyro

Takhzyro comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin. You’ll likely only need to have a dose once every 2 weeks or once every month.

Your doctor will teach you or your caregiver how to inject Takhzyro. This way, you won’t have to go into your doctor’s office each time you need a dose.

For step-by-step directions about injecting Takhzyro, see the drug’s instructions for use.

Takhzyro injection sites

This drug can be injected into your belly, thighs, or upper arms.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Takhzyro and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Takhzyro affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

You may wonder about the differences between Takhzyro and Cinryze. Both medications are used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Takhzyro comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin. You’ll have it once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks. Cinryze comes as a powder that’s mixed into a solution using sterile water. It’s given as an injection into a vein once every 3 or 4 days.

Takhzyro and Cinryze are both used to prevent HAE attacks. But they have some other differences, as well, such as the possible side effects and prescribed dosages.

Your doctor can tell you more about these two medications. To see a side-by-comparison, check out this article.

If you have hereditary angioedema (HAE), your doctor may recommend that you use Takhzyro. It’s a prescription drug that’s used to prevent attacks of HAE.

HAE is a genetic condition that causes episodes of swelling. These attacks may affect your arms, legs, face, or airways. In some more severe cases, HAE attacks can even cause trouble breathing and pain.

Takhzyro is prescribed for adults and children ages 12 years and older. It works by blocking certain proteins that cause excessive swelling to occur. This helps lessen how often and severe your HAE attacks are, as well as how long an attack lasts.

It’s important to note that Takhzyro should never be used to treat an HAE attack that’s already happening. In this case, you may need a different medication, such as:

Before starting Takhzyro treatment, talk with your doctor about whether this medication is right for you. Be sure to tell them about:

  • your overall health
  • any other medical conditions you have
  • any medications you take

Your doctor will be able to recommend if Takhzyro is a good treatment option for you.

Interactions

Taking medications or having vaccines, foods, or some other things with a certain drug can affect how that drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before you start using Takhzyro, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any ways that these items may interact with Takhzyro.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Takhzyro isn’t known to interact with other drugs or supplements. But it’s still important to tell your doctor about any medications that you take before starting Takhzyro treatment. Your doctor can help ensure that it’s safe for you to use this drug.

Warnings

Takhzyro may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you start using Takhzyro. Factors to consider include past allergic reactions.

Allergic reaction

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Takhzyro or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t use Takhzyro. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Takhzyro and alcohol

Takhzyro isn’t known to interact with alcohol. If you’re concerned or have questions about drinking alcohol while you’re using Takhzyro, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known if Takhzyro is safe to have during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

At this time, there’s not enough information about people who’ve taken the drug while pregnant or breastfeeding to know this.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your doctor before using Takhzyro.

Don’t use more Takhzyro than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you have too much Takhzyro

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Takhzyro. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have hereditary angioedema (HAE), your doctor may recommend that you use Takhzyro. It’s a prescription drug that’s used to prevent attacks of HAE.

Before you start using Takhzyro, discuss this medication with your doctor. They can recommend if it’s right for you.

You may wish to ask your doctor some questions so that together you can determine if Takhzyro is a good treatment option. Here are some questions that may help get your conversation started:

  • How should I treat side effects that I may have?
  • Which side effects do I have an increased risk of, given my other medical conditions?
  • What’s the best dosing schedule of Takhzyro for me?
  • What should I do if I become pregnant while using Takhzyro?

If you’d like to learn more about other treatment options for HAE, read this article.

Q:

If I’m having side effects of Takhzyro, can my dosage be changed?

Anonymous

A:

No, it’s not likely that your dosage will be changed. Takhzyro only comes in one dose, and it should be given in its entirety each time you receive it.

If you start having side effects of Takhzyro, talk with your doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to lessen your side effects. If side effects of Takhzyro continue to bother you, your doctor may recommend a different treatment.

Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBAAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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