Understanding How is HAEGARDA given for Hereditary Angioedema Prophylaxis

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

HAEGARDA is a C1 esterase inhibitor used for routine prophylaxis to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks and is administered via a subcutaneous injection. After a patient or caregiver receives proper training from a healthcare provider, the medication can be safely prepared and self-administered at home.

Quick Summary

HAEGARDA is given as a subcutaneous injection twice weekly for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis. The lyophilized powder must first be reconstituted with sterile water and drawn into a silicone-free syringe, then injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Key Points

Subcutaneous Injection: HAEGARDA is administered via subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected just under the skin.
Twice-Weekly Frequency: The injection is given twice each week, specifically every 3 to 4 days, for routine prophylaxis against HAE attacks.
Self-Administration: Patients or caregivers can be trained by a healthcare professional to prepare and self-administer HAEGARDA at home.
Reconstitution Required: HAEGARDA comes as a powder that must be mixed with sterile water before injection using a special transfer set.
Individualized Dosage: The dose of HAEGARDA is individualized for each patient and is determined by their doctor.
Prophylaxis Only: HAEGARDA is intended to prevent attacks and should not be used to treat an acute HAE attack that has already started.
Multiple Injection Sites: Injection sites can be rotated among the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs to reduce the risk of irritation.

HAEGARDA is a prescription medication derived from human blood plasma containing C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). It is used for routine, long-term prophylaxis to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in individuals aged 6 and older. A key aspect of HAEGARDA is its subcutaneous administration, which allows patients or caregivers to self-administer the medication at home after receiving appropriate training.

Why is HAEGARDA Administered Subcutaneously?

The subcutaneous route offers advantages for regular preventative treatment. Compared to intravenous infusions, subcutaneous injections are less invasive and simpler to perform. This allows for convenient self-administration at home twice a week. This consistent dosing helps maintain steady levels of C1-INH in the body, preventing the activation of the contact system that triggers HAE attacks. Maintaining these levels provides ongoing protection against swelling episodes.

Step-by-Step Guide on How is HAEGARDA Given

Before using HAEGARDA, a healthcare professional will train patients or caregivers on the correct preparation and injection procedures. The process involves reconstituting the powder in the single-dose vial with sterile water.

HAEGARDA Reconstitution and Injection Steps

Preparation: Gather materials including HAEGARDA and diluent vials, Mix2Vial set(s), syringe(s), needle or infusion set, alcohol wipes, and gauze. Wash hands and work on a clean surface.
Inspect and Warm: Verify expiration dates and ensure vials are at room temperature. Do not use expired, discolored, or particle-containing product.
Reconstitute: Clean vial tops with alcohol wipes. Use the Mix2Vial device to connect the diluent and HAEGARDA vials, transferring the sterile water. Gently swirl, do not shake, until the powder is dissolved.
Draw and Inject: Unscrew the Mix2Vial and draw the solution into a silicone-free syringe. Clean an injection site (abdomen, upper arm, or thigh). Pinch the skin and inject at a 45° or 90° angle as trained. Slowly press the plunger.
Finish: Remove the needle, apply pressure with gauze, and safely dispose of equipment in a sharps container.

Comparison of HAEGARDA and Other HAE Treatments

HAEGARDA is primarily used for prophylaxis, administered subcutaneously and self-administered at home twice weekly. Other C1-INH treatments like Berinert are typically for acute attacks and administered intravenously. Cinryze is also for prophylaxis but is given intravenously. A comparison is provided in the table below:


Feature	HAEGARDA	Berinert (C1-INH)	Cinryze (C1-INH)
Primary Use	Routine prophylaxis to prevent HAE attacks.	Treatment of acute HAE attacks.	Routine prophylaxis to prevent HAE attacks.
Route of Administration	Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.	Intravenous (into a vein) infusion.	Intravenous (into a vein) infusion.
Administration Location	Can be self-administered at home.	Administered by a healthcare professional or self-administered after training.	Typically administered by a healthcare professional.
Frequency	Twice weekly (every 3–4 days).	As needed for an acute attack.	Every 3 or 4 days.
Mechanism	Replenishes C1-INH levels to prevent attacks.	Replenishes C1-INH to treat acute attacks.	Replenishes C1-INH levels for prophylaxis.

Dosing and Storage Details

HAEGARDA is administered twice weekly. Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on factors such as body weight.

Unmixed vials can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C or 86°F) and should be kept in their carton to protect from light. Reconstituted solution must be used within 8 hours, stored at room temperature, and not refrigerated or frozen.

Conclusion

How is HAEGARDA given? It is administered as a twice-weekly subcutaneous injection, which can often be self-administered at home after training. This method offers a convenient and effective way to manage and prevent HAE attacks routinely. The process involves reconstituting the powder, drawing it into a syringe, and injecting it into a subcutaneous site. Proper training, careful preparation, and consistent dosing are essential for optimal results.

For additional information on self-administration, consult the manufacturer's resources. It is crucial to remember HAEGARDA is for prophylaxis, not acute attacks. Always have on-demand therapy ready and maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

HAEGARDA is typically taken twice a week, on a routine schedule determined by your doctor. It should be taken every 3 or 4 days.

Yes, HAEGARDA is intended for self-administration. However, you must first receive proper training from a healthcare professional to ensure you can prepare and inject the medication safely and correctly.

Appropriate injection sites include the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs. It is important to rotate injection sites to prevent irritation.

Yes, HAEGARDA is a powder that must be reconstituted with sterile water for injection before it can be administered. A special Mix2Vial transfer set is used for this process.

Once reconstituted, the HAEGARDA solution must be used within 8 hours. It should be stored at room temperature during this time and should not be refrigerated.

No, HAEGARDA is a prophylactic treatment for preventing HAE attacks. It is not indicated for treating an acute attack that is already in progress.

The dose for HAEGARDA is individualized for each patient and is determined by their doctor based on their specific needs and factors such as body weight.