hyaluronidase (injectable)

Your doctor may perform a skin test to see if you are allergic to hyaluronidase before you receive the medication.

Before receiving hyaluronidase, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: furosemide (Lasix); phenytoin (Dilantin); a sedative or anxiety medication (such as Valium, Xanax, Tranxene); aspirin or salicylates; cortisone or ACTH (Corticotropin); estrogens; or an antihistamine (such as a cold or allergy medicine).

Hyaluronidase is a genitically designed protein.

Hyaluronidase is used as an aid in helping your body absorb other injected medications.

Hyaluronidase is also used to help contrast dyes in your body show more clearly on certain types of x-rays or scans.

Your doctor may perform a skin test to see if you are allergic to hyaluronidase before you receive the medication.

Hyaluronidase is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known if it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known if hyaluronidase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive the injection from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

If you are to receive this medication more than one time, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Symptoms of a hyaluronidase overdose may include itching or swelling where the injection was given. Other possible symptoms include chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, or fainting.

Ask your doctor about any food, drink, or other medications you should avoid while you are receiving hyaluronidase.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• pain or tenderness where the medication was injected; or
• swelling in any part of your body.

Before receiving hyaluronidase, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• furosemide (Lasix);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• a sedative or anxiety medication (such as Valium, Xanax, Tranxene);
• aspirin or salicylates;
• cortisone or ACTH (Corticotropin);
• estrogens; or
• an antihistamine (such as a cold or allergy medicine).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive hyaluronidase, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect hyaluronidase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Your pharmacist has more information about hyaluronidase written for health professionals that you may read.