Questions About Treating Hereditary Angioedema
Q: What should I do if I have a
hereditary angioedema (HAE)) attack?
A: People who experience symptoms of a laryngeal attack should get emergency help
as soon as possible. A doctor who is an expert on HAE can help you determine what
you should do when you have an attack. The prescribed course of treatment may depend
on the location of the attack, the frequency of attacks, and the type of medications
available to you. Learn about treating an acute
attack of HAE.
Q: How is HAE treated?
A: HAE treatment can be divided into two categories:
and
acute therapy. For acute therapy, there are currently two treatment options
available:
C1-INH and
kallikrein inhibitor.
Prophylaxis treatment options include low-dose androgen therapy, antifibrinolytic
agents, and C1-INH indicated for
prophylaxis. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Q: What side effects might I have with treatment, and how do I manage them?
A: The side effects you experience will depend on the treatment option used, the
dosage, and how the treatment is administered. It also depends on whether the treatment
is for an acute attack or to
prevent an attack .
Talk to your doctor about potential side effects based on your personal treatment
and when you should call the doctor's office about a medical problem. Recording
information in your HAE diary or journal will help you and your doctor track your
progress and effectively manage your disease.