Andembry (garadacimab-gxii) is a prescription drug that’s used to help prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults and certain children. Andembry comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under the skin.

Andembry basics

Andembry contains the active ingredient garadacimab-gxii.

Andembry is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms. It’s available only as a brand-name drug. It isn’t available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. Just as generic drugs can be an alternative to brand-name medications, biosimilars are an effective alternative to biologics.)

Biosimilars will have the same active ingredient core name as the brand-name drug, but with unique suffixes. The reason “-gxii” appears at the end of the active ingredient’s name is to show that it’s distinct from biosimilars that may be created in the future.

Andembry is used to help prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and in children ages 12 years and older.

HAE is a genetic (inherited) condition that causes episodes of swelling. These attacks may affect your legs, arms, face, or airways. In some more severe cases, HAE attacks can even cause trouble breathing and pain.

Andembry works by reducing the activation of a protein called kallikrein. This protein stimulates the release of a different protein called bradykinin. Too much bradykinin can cause sudden swelling attacks in people with HAE. By lowering kallikrein activity, Andembry helps lower the amount of bradykinin in the blood. This helps prevent HAE attacks.

Like most drugs, Andembry may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects Andembry may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Andembry. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Andembry and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of the mild side effects that Andembry can cause. To learn about these side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Andembry’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Andembry that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Andembry were not reported in the drug’s studies, but they could still occur. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Andembry can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Andembry treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Andembry, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Forms and strength

Andembry is a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. It comes in one strength of 200 milligrams (mg) per 1.2 milliliters (mL) of solution. Andembry is available as a single-use prefilled auto-injector and a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Andembry that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Dosage to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks

To help prevent HAE attacks, the recommended adult dosage is two injections (400 mg total) administered on the first day of treatment. After that, you’ll receive one injection (200 mg) once per month.

Children’s dosage

Andembry can be used in children ages 12 years and older to help prevent HAE attacks. The dosage of Andembry for children is the same as the dosage used in adults: two injections (400 mg total) given on the first day of treatment, then one injection (200 mg) given once monthly.

How to inject

Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give injections of Andembry at home. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Andembry comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you or a caregiver how to give yourself these injections at home.

Before injecting Andembry, remove the prefilled auto-injector or syringe from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you use it. This allows it to warm to room temperature, which can help reduce discomfort when injecting your dose. Each syringe contains a single dose and should be used only once.

If you have questions about injecting Andembry at home, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The drug manufacturer also provides step-by-step instructions.

About using Andembry

The following are some common questions about using Andembry.

  • What if I miss a dose of Andembry? If you miss a dose of Andembry, inject it as soon as you remember.
  • Should I take my Andembry dose with food? You can take your Andembry doses with or without food.
  • Will I need to use Andembry long term? Andembry is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
  • How long does Andembry take to work? Andembry begins to work after you take your first dose to help prevent HAE attacks.

Overdose

Do not use more Andembry than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Andembry. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Andembry is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, or foods. The manufacturer of Andembry didn’t look at interactions in studies of the drug.

Before starting Andembry treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lab tests that can interact with Andembry

Andembry may affect the results of a lab test called activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). This test is used to check how long it takes for your blood to clot.

Using Andembry does not cause an issue with blood clotting, but it can affect the results of an APTT test.

If you’re having a blood test done, tell the healthcare professional administering the test that you’re using Andembry.

Andembry and alcohol

Alcohol is not known to interact with Andembry. But alcohol may make your condition worse. Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol or limit the amount you drink.

If you have questions about consuming alcohol with your condition or treatment plan, talk with your doctor.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Andembry. What you’ll pay for Andembry may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use

A program called Andembry Connect is available through the manufacturer. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-423-4273 or visit the program website.

The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before using Andembry.

Pregnancy and Andembry

It’s not known whether Andembry is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this drug.

Andembry and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Andembry should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting Andembry treatment.

Before taking Andembry, discuss your health history with your doctor. Andembry may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Andembry, see the “Side effects of Andembry” section.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Andembry, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Andembry:

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.