Why Warning Signs are Important Know the Signs and Symptoms Common Areas Affected

Familiarize yourself with early warning signs and symptoms of an HAE swell

Early warning signs of an HAE attack vary in intensity and location depending on the individual. They can occur anywhere on the body and, like the attacks themselves, vary in severity and length.

Because of that, it is important to learn to recognize the signs that a swell may be coming, and treat at the first sign or symptom of a swell.

Signs and symptoms differ from person to person and may include:

HAE attack symptom: fatigue

Fatigue

HAE attack symptom: rash

Painless, itchy or non-itchy rash

HAE attack symptom: stomach upset

Stomach upset

HAE attack symptom: headache

Headache, anxiety, or mood changes

HAE attack symptom: stomach cramps

Difficulty swallowing and breathing

HAE attack symptom: numbness or tingling

Numbness, tingling, or skin tightening

HAE attack symptom: muscle and joint pain

Muscle and joint pain

RUCONEST can be used at the first sign of a swell

  • RUCONEST, a C1-inhibitor, replaces the missing or nonworking C1-INH to stop an HAE swell before it fully develops.
  • US HAEA Medical Advisory Board 2020 Guidelines state early treatment is important to prevent swell progression, no matter how severe. After self-administered treatment, you should seek medical care if the attack involves the airway.

What triggers HAE?

Even though swells may occur without a clear trigger, it's important to recognize some common triggers that can lead to an attack, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Minor injuries
  • Surgical or dental procedures
  • Certain medications (e.g., estrogen-containing birth control medications)
  • Infections
  • Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menstruation

Common areas of the body affected by HAE attacks*

Common areas of the body affected by HAE attacks* Common areas of the body affected by HAE attacks* *Reported areas of swells from patient survey data (n=1301 swells).
Patients reported ~2.1 locations per swell.
Swelling of the uvula and soft palate

Sometimes, swelling in the uvula and soft palate can occur with attacks in the larynx or even on their own. Just like with laryngeal attacks, it's crucial to take these seriously. The swelling can become severe enough to block airflow, making it hard to breathe.

Laryngeal attacks†

Laryngeal attacks cause swelling in the throat, making it hard to breathe or swallow. You might feel your throat tightening, have trouble talking, or notice changes in your voice. These attacks are the most dangerous, because the swelling can block your airway, leading to suffocation.

†Seek immediate medical attention. RUCONEST effectiveness was not established in patients with laryngeal attacks.
Tongue swelling

Tongue swelling can block your airways, making it hard to breathe and changing your voice. Like laryngeal and uvula/soft palate attacks, it's important to take tongue swelling seriously, because it can become severe enough to cut off airflow.

Skin swelling

HAE attacks can cause skin swelling in several areas, including:

  • Hands, arms, feet, legs, and thighs
  • Face, especially the lips and around the eyes
  • Genitals, pelvis, and trunk
Abdominal attacks

Abdominal attacks cause swelling in the intestinal wall, and can lead to severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since HAE is rare, doctors often misdiagnose it as appendicitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or recurrent pancreatitis.