Back toUpdated on October 22, 2024
In this video, Darria Long Gillespie, MD, discusses the two major treatment approaches for hereditary angioedema, treatments taken to stop attacks and treatments taken to prevent attacks from happening.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] In Hereditary Angioedema, or HAE,
treatment is divided into two categories-- those medications that stop an acute attack that one takes for an acute HAE flare, and those
that are taken on an ongoing basis to prevent symptoms and future flares. In an acute episode of HAE, time is of the essence,
so treatment consists of injectable forms of medications. Unlike hives or regular forms of angioedema,
in HAE, therapies such as anti-histamines, steroids, and epinephrine are ineffective.
Treatments involve injectable forms of C-1 inhibitor, including medications such as icatibant, and ecallantide.
Which treatment is used depends on the location of the symptoms, the patient's age, and the overall clinical picture.
To prevent HAE episodes, patients can take oral medications such as androgens and tranexamic acid.
However, these are used less today due to their side effects. C-1 inhibitor concentrate given via regular injections
can also reduce the frequency of acute HAE episodes. Keep in mind that HAE can be different for every person,
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.
