Brand Kalbitor: Kalbitor
Generic drug: ecallantide
Drug Class: Immunomodulators
What is Kalbitor (ecallantide) Injection, and what is it used for?
Kalbitor (ecallantide) is a prescription medicine used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in people 12 years of age and older. Kalbitor is not a cure for HAE. It is not known if Kalbitor is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.
What are the side effects of Kalbitor?
WARNING
Anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) has been reported after administration of Kalbitor. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, Kalbitor should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis and hereditary angioedema.
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the similarity of symptoms between hypersensitivity reactions and hereditary angioedema and patients should be monitored closely. Do not administer Kalbitor to patients with known clinical hypersensitivity to Kalbitor.
Common side effects of Kalbitor include:
- headache
- nausea
- diarrhea
- fever
- injection site reactions, such as redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising
- stuffy nose
Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the dosage for Kalbitor?
Recommended Dosing
- The recommended dose of Kalbitor is 30 mg (3 mL), administered subcutaneously in three 10 mg (1 mL) injections.
- If the attack persists, an additional dose of 30 mg may be administered within a 24 hour period.
Administration Instructions
- Kalbitor should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis and hereditary angioedema.
- Kalbitor should be refrigerated and protected from the light. Kalbitor is a clear, colorless liquid; visually inspect each vial for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. If there is particulate matter or discoloration, the vial should not be used.
- Using aseptic technique, withdraw 1 mL (10 mg) of Kalbitor from the vial using a large bore needle.
- Change the needle on the syringe to a needle suitable for subcutaneous injection.
- The recommended needle size is 27 gauge. Inject Kalbitor into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Repeat the procedure for each of the 3 vials comprising the Kalbitor dose.
- The injection site for each of the injections may be in the same or in different anatomic locations (abdomen, thigh, upper arm).
- There is no need for site rotation. Injection sites should be separated by at least 2 inches (5 cm) and away from the anatomical site of attack.
- The same instructions apply to an additional dose administered within 24 hours.
- Different injection sites or the same anatomical location (as used for the first administration) may be used.
What drugs interact with Kalbitor?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- The available data from the pharmacovigilance database for Kalbitor have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
- There are no data on the presence of ecallantide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
- The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Kalbitor and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Kalbitor or from the underlying maternal condition.

SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowSummary
Kalbitor (ecallantide) is a prescription medicine used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in people 12 years of age and older. Kalbitor is not a cure for HAE. It is not known if Kalbitor is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. Serious side effects include anaphylaxis or serious allergic reactions.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Skin Problems: Weird Conditions Associated with Aging
Aging skin can cause wrinkles, liver spots, and leg sores. Learn the cause of spider and varicose veins. See pictures of skin...
-
Skin Problems: Contagious Rashes, Bumps, and Blisters
Why do rashes, bumps, and blisters appear on your skin? There are several medical causes. Find out what causes bumps, rashes, and...
-
Skin Problems: Skin Conditions Below the Waist
Skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and allergies may produce redness and other symptoms. See your dermatologist right...
-
Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky...
-
Skin Diseases: 15 Uncommon Skin Conditions
Genetic illnesses, health conditions, or infections cause your skin to react in unusual ways. Learn about these conditions and...
-
Skin Problems: A Visual Guide to Cysts
These small sacs filled with fluid, tissue, hair, or dead skin can form almost anywhere on your body. Find out more about why...
-
Your Guide to Anti-Aging Skin Care Essentials
Some of the most important tricks in the fight against aging come down to the basics. Learn how washing and moisturizing your...
-
Skin Problems and Treatments: Guide to Seborrheic Dermatitis
Get to know the symptoms and treatments of seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that often affects the scalp but can...
-
Health and Beauty: Skin Care Products That May Not Work
We're all looking for products to help our skin. Here are some things you may want to stay away from.
-
Skin & Health: How Your Skin Reveals Health Problems
Skin problems are often the first signs of serious underlying health problems. Diabetes, lupus, hepatitis C and lung cancer are...
-
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz:
Does dry, itchy, flaky, scaly, red, inflamed skin sound familiar to you? Take the Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz to learn more...
-
Dry Skin Quiz
Dry, itching, flaky skin? Take the Dry Skin Quiz to learn what's causing your dry skin and what you can do about it beyond...
-
See How Your Life Affects Your Skin
See how your life affects your skin. The choices you make every day affect the appearance of your skin. Learn how to avoid dry...
-
Skin and Makeup Quiz: Test Your Skin and Makeup IQ
Are you doing right by your skin? Take the Skin and Makeup Quiz to learn how to make the most of your beauty regimen.
-
Skin Conditions Quiz: Common Skin Diseases
Could you identify a scabies infestation? Take the Skin Diseases Pictures Quiz and learn to identify common conditions that...
-
Skin Quiz: Acne, Dry Skin, Dandruff & More
What's that all over you? Skin, of course! Test your knowledge of your most amazing organ with the Skin Quiz!
-
Picture of Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. See a picture of the Skin and learn more...
-
Skin Sins: 15 Ways to Wreck Your Skin
Avoid skin damage by shunning bad habits like tanning, popping pimples, exfoliating too much, poor diet, smoking, and using the...
-
Diet and Nutrition: Best and Healthiest Foods for Your Skin
Your diet can affect your skin in many ways. Certain foods that contain nutrients that promote a healthy, vibrant complexion....
-
Skin Health: The Creatures That Live on Your Body
You may try not to think about it, but the truth is there are tiny creatures living all over your body. Learn which ones are OK...
-
How to Get Rid of Acne: Skin Care Tips
Want to know how to get rid of blackheads? Discover tips on clogged pores, sunscreen SPF and how to remove makeup for different...
-
Skin Problems and Treatments: Surprising Reasons You're Itchy
Find out some unexpected causes of your itchiness, such as thyroid problems, cancer treatments, pregnancy, diabetes, and more.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Boils (Skin Abscesses)
A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of pus localized deep in the skin. There are several different types of boils. Among them are the following: furuncle or carbuncle, cystic acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pilonidal cyst.
-
Skin Care for Dry Skin
Second Source article from WebMD
-
What Are the Types of Skin Lesions?
A skin lesion is an abnormal growth or rash on the skin as compared to normal skin. There are two main categories of skin lesions: primary and secondary lesions. Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin conditions that may be present at birth or acquired later. Secondary skin lesions are a result of irritated or manipulated primary skin lesions.
-
How Can I Make My Skin Tighter?
Most people experience sagging skin between the ages of 35 and 40 years old. As we age, the production of proteins that are responsible for keeping our skin plump, firm and smooth (collagen and elastin) declines gradually, resulting in sagging skin on the face, neck and body. Some of the natural or home remedies to firm the skin include facial exercise, application of topical products and doctor prescribed interventions.
-
How Can I Lighten My Skin Naturally?
Melanin is a substance made by cells in the skin, and it is the pigment responsible for the skin color that may vary with race and genetics. Skin problems like allergies, acne, hormonal disorders, and exposure to the sun can cause changes to the skin color. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin.
-
The Skin (Human Anatomy): Picture, Definition, Function and Skin Conditions
The skin is the largest organ in the body that covers the entire external surface. It protects the internal organs from germs and thus helps prevent infections. The skin is made up of three main layers.
-
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)
Hereditary angioedema or HAE is a genetic disease that causes swelling of the skin and tissues beneath it. Symptoms of HAE include shortness of breath, mood changes, laryngeal edema (a medical emergency), swelling of the hands and feet, muscle aches, and skin tingling. Treatment of HAE includes medication and avoidance of triggers.
-
What Causes Angioedema?
What is angioedema? Angioedema is a form of swelling that occurs under the skin. Learn what causes angioedema, its signs and symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, when to see a doctor, and ways to treat this condition.
-
How Is Angioedema Treated?
Learn what medical treatments can help treat your angioedema symptoms and help you manage this condition.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.