Ask the Experts: Hereditary Angioedema Treatments

There are different ways to treat hereditary angioedema depending on a patient's age and symptoms. In this video, Darria Long Gillespie, MD, Sharecare's SVP of clinical strategy, explains specific treatments like injectable medications.

Transcript

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[MUSIC PLAYING] In Hereditary Angioedema, or HAE,

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treatment is divided into two categories-- those medications that stop an acute attack that one takes for an acute HAE flare, and those

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that are taken on an ongoing basis to prevent symptoms and future flares. In an acute episode of HAE, time is of the essence,

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so treatment consists of injectable forms of medications. Unlike hives or regular forms of angioedema,

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in HAE, therapies such as anti-histamines, steroids, and epinephrine are ineffective.

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Treatments involve injectable forms of C-1 inhibitor, including medications such as icatibant, and ecallantide.

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Which treatment is used depends on the location of the symptoms, the patient's age, and the overall clinical picture.

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To prevent HAE episodes, patients can take oral medications such as androgens and tranexamic acid.

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However, these are used less today due to their side effects. C-1 inhibitor concentrate given via regular injections

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can also reduce the frequency of acute HAE episodes. Keep in mind that HAE can be different for every person,

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even among people in the same family. That's why it's important to work with a specialist in order to find the best treatment for each person.