Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and some children. Cinryze comes as an intravenous (IV) infusion that’s typically given twice per week.
Cinryze is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called C1 esterase inhibitors. Cinryze is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Cinryze, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Cinryze, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Cinryze provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Cinryze, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Cinryze’s form, strength, and dosage.
Cinryze form
Cinryze comes as a powder in a single-dose vial. The powder is mixed with a liquid to form a solution for intravenous (IV) infusion. You may receive the IV infusion in a hospital or clinic. Your doctor may also teach you or a caregiver how to give the dose at home.
Cinryze strength
Cinryze comes in one strength of 500 international units (IU).
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for hereditary angioedema (HAE)
Doctors may prescribe Cinryze to reduce the frequency of HAE attacks. HAE is an inherited condition that can cause swelling in your face, throat, tongue, hands, feet, buttocks, or genitals.
If your doctor prescribes Cinryze for HAE, your dose will likely be 1,000 IU. Typically, you’ll receive this as an IV infusion once every 3–4 days (twice per week). If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to as much as 2,000 IU once every 3–4 days.
In some cases, your Cinryze dosage may be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The dosage is measured in IU per kg and is calculated by your doctor. The maximum dosage of Cinryze that’s recommended is 80 IU/kg once every 3–4 days. For example, if you weigh 154 lb (70 kg), your maximum recommended dose of Cinryze will be 5,600 IU.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Cinryze is approved to treat HAE in children 6–11 years old.
If your child’s doctor prescribes Cinryze, their dose will likely be 500 IU. Typically, they’ll receive this as an IV infusion once every 3–4 days (twice per week). If this dose isn’t working for your child, their doctor may recommend increasing it to as much as 1,000 IU once every 3–4 days (twice per week).
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Long-term treatment
Cinryze is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cinryze is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Before you start using Cinryze, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
The Cinryze dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- your body weight
- how your body responds to Cinryze
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Cinryze dosage.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you your first IV infusion of Cinryze.
First, they’ll mix the powder form of Cinryze with a liquid to make a solution. Then, they’ll prepare the liquid solution for infusion. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, an infusion center, or a hospital to receive your infusion. The infusion takes 5–10 minutes, depending on your dosage.
If you and your doctor agree, they can teach you or a caregiver how to give your infusion at home. You’ll need to store Cinryze at 36–77°F (2–25°C). Do not freeze Cinryze.
If you have questions about how to use Cinryze, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions for the infusion on the manufacturer’s website.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
Cinryze works best at preventing HAE attacks if you follow your set dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Cinryze, contact your doctor. They’ll let you know whether you should use the missed dose or wait for your next scheduled dose.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t use more Cinryze than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you use more than the recommended amount of Cinryze
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Cinryze. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Cinryze.
Is the dosage of Cinryze similar to the dosage of Firazyr or Haegarda?
Cinryze, Haegarda, and Firazyr (icatibant) are all prescribed for HAE. Cinryze and Haegarda are used twice per week to prevent HAE attacks, but Firazyr is used as needed to treat attacks after they happen.
Cinryze and Haegarda are both C1 esterase inhibitors. Cinryze is given as an IV infusion, while Haegarda is given as a subcutaneous infusion. Firazyr is a bradykinin receptor blocker and is given as a subcutaneous injection.
The doses for these drugs differ because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Cinryze to start working?
Cinryze starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. It may take several doses to notice a reduction in your HAE symptoms. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Cinryze treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Cinryze for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Cinryze without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Cinryze that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Cinryze. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Cinryze: For information about other aspects of Cinryze, refer to this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects of Cinryze, see the Cinryze prescribing information.
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.