Berinert (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) is a brand-name medication that’s prescribed to treat acute attacks from heredity angioedema (HAE). The most common side effect of Berinert was having an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Berinert can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Berinert in clinical trials:

  • headache
  • skin rash
  • nausea
  • unpleasant taste in your mouth*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Berinert use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Berinert’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Berinert include:

  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • nausea
  • skin rash
  • cold symptoms, such as sore throat or runny nose
  • unpleasant taste in your mouth*
  • mild allergic reaction†

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Berinert and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Berinert. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Berinert may cause serious side effects, but they aren’t common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Berinert’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Berinert, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Berinert. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Berinert may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Berinert.

Unpleasant taste in your mouth

Dysgeusia, or having an unpleasant taste in your mouth, was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Berinert. You may have a metallic or funny taste even when there is nothing in your mouth. This side effect can occur up to 3 days after your infusion.

What you can do

Although having an unpleasant taste in your mouth may be bothersome, it isn’t harmful. Here are some steps you can try to help relieve the symptoms if they bother you:

  • stay well-hydrated
  • brush your teeth and tongue before meals
  • try using a mouthwash
  • avoid using metallic utensils and cookware

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms interfere with eating and drinking. They may be able to recommend additional ways to manage this side effect.

Blood clots

Berinert can cause blood clots. This side effect wasn’t commonly reported in clinical studies of the drug. Blood clots include pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) or deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the arm or leg). These types of blood clots may be serious. It’s possible that a blood clot could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of a blood clot may include:

  • sudden shortness of breath
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • fast heart rate
  • pain or swelling in your arm or leg
  • numbness or weakness on one side of the body

What you can do

You may have a higher risk of blood clots during treatment with Berinert if you’ve had blood clots in the past or have certain risk factors for developing them. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors before starting treatment with Berinert. (To learn more about risk factors, see the “Precautions for Berinert” section below).

If you have symptoms of a blood clot, call your doctor right away. However, if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Berinert may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Berinert. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Berinert. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

History of blood clots: Before taking Berinert, tell your doctor if you have had a blood clot in the past. Because Berinert can cause blood clots, you may be at an increased risk of blood clots if you’ve had one in the past. Your doctor can determine whether treatment with Berinert is a safe option for you.

Indwelling catheter in a vein: If you have an indwelling venous catheter, you may be at a higher risk of blood clots. A catheter is a small tube inserted into your vein that your doctor can give medications through. Using Berinert if you have an indwelling catheter can increase your risk of blood clots even more. Your doctor can tell you whether treatment with Berinert is right for you.

Taking birth control pills or androgen medications: Using Berinert can cause blood clots. If you’re taking certain birth control pills that contain estrogen or androgen medications (such as testosterone) during treatment with Berinert, your risk could be further increased. Tell your doctor about any medications you take, especially birth control pills or androgen medications, before you start using Berinert. Your doctor can help determine if Berinert is safe for you to use.

Immobility: If you’re unable to move around for long periods of time, you may be at an increased risk of blood clots. This can include being in a wheelchair, immobile, or after surgery. Using Berinert if you’re unable to move around could increase your risk of blood clots. Talk with your doctor about your risk of blood clots. They can help determine if Berinert is right for you.

Morbid obesity: If you have morbid obesity, you may be at a higher risk for blood clots while using Berinert. Talk with your doctor about your risk for blood clots. They can help determine if Berinert is a good treatment option for you.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Berinert or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Berinert. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It’s not known if Berinert is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding your child. Talk with your doctor before starting Berinert if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Alcohol consumption:There are no known interactions between Berinert and alcohol. Talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to drink alcohol while using Berinert.

Berinert may cause side effects, but most side effects from this medication are mild. Serious side effects aren’t common. If you’d like to learn more about Berinert, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Berinert: For details about other aspects of Berinert, refer to this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Berinert, view this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.