Ruconest (C1 esterase inhibitor, recombinant) is a brand-name drug used to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). As with other drugs, Ruconest can cause side effects, such as headache and nausea.

Ruconest 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 Ruconest in clinical trials:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea*
  • headache*

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

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

Mild side effects that have been reported with Ruconest include:

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 the side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while receiving Ruconest 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 Ruconest. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Ruconest may cause serious side effects, but they aren’t common. The most common serious side effect was a severe allergic reaction.*

If you develop serious side effects while receiving Ruconest, 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. For more information, you can refer to Ruconest’s prescribing information.

* An allergic reaction is possible after using Ruconest. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Ruconest is approved to treat acute attacks of HAE in children ages 13–17. The most common side effects reported in children include:

  • headache
  • sore throat
  • abdominal pain

If you have questions about side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

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

Headache

Headache was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Ruconest. This side effect usually is temporary and goes away on its own.

What you can do

You can try a few natural remedies that may help relieve your headache, such as:

  • staying hydrated
  • applying an ice pack or other cold item to the head or neck
  • relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing

If you have headaches that are bothersome after you receive Ruconest, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage your headache and recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), that’s right for you.

If you have a headache that is sudden or severe, call your doctor right away or contact your local emergency number.

Nausea

It’s possible that you may have nausea after receiving Ruconest. This was a common side effect in clinical trials of the drug. Nausea will usually go away on its own.

What you can do

There are a few things you can try that may help with nausea. These include:

  • getting fresh air
  • staying hydrated
  • drinking ginger or peppermint tea
  • eating smaller, more frequent meals

Talk with your doctor if you have nausea that’s bothersome after receiving Ruconest. They can suggest ways to best manage this side effect.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Ruconest can 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 using Ruconest. 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 receive Ruconest. 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:

Rabbit allergy: If you’re allergic to rabbits or ever had an allergic reaction to products made from rabbits, you should not use Ruconest. Ruconest is made using milk from rabbits and could cause an allergic reaction in people with a rabbit allergy. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options that are available.

Risk of blood clots: It’s possible that Ruconest could cause a serious blood clot. There have been reports of blood clots in certain people using other C1 esterase inhibitor drugs, such as Cinryze, Haegarda, or Berinert. It’s not known if Ruconest can cause blood clots, but some risk factors may increase your chance of having a blood clot. These risk factors include:

  • having had a blood clot in the past
  • experiencing immobility (not being able to move around, such as a long plane ride)
  • having an indwelling catheter (a tube that delivers medication or other fluids to your vein)
  • living with morbid obesity
  • using certain birth control pills or androgen medications

Allergic reaction: Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a life threatening allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, to Ruconest or any of its ingredients or another C1 esterase inhibitor product. C1 esterase inhibitors include Berinert, Cinryze, and Haegarda. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It’s not known whether Ruconest is safe to use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can discuss the benefits and risks of Ruconest therapy with you.

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

Like most drugs, Ruconest can cause side effects, although they aren’t common. Talk with your doctor if you develop side effects that are bothersome or serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Ruconest, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about the side effects of receiving the drug.

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.