hyaluronidase and immune globulin

What is the most important information I should know about hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

What is hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

Hyaluronidase is a genetically designed protein used as an aid in helping your body absorb other injected medications.

Immune globulin is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection from various diseases.

Hyaluronidase and immune globulin are given together to treat primary immunodeficiency in adults.

Hyaluronidase and immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

• immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.

Immune globulin can harm your kidneys or cause blood clots, especially if you have certain risk factors. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, blood circulation problems or a blood vessel disorder;
• a history of stroke or blood clot;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
• if you are dehydrated;
• if you are 65 years or older;
• if you have been bed-ridden due to severe illness; or
• if you are using a catheter.

Immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How is hyaluronidase and immune globulin given?

Hyaluronidase and immune globulin is usually given once every 4 weeks. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Hyaluronidase and immune globulin is injected under the skin using an infusion pump. The medicine enters the body through a catheter placed under your skin or into a vein. A healthcare provider will show you how to use an infusion pump and inject your medicine. Do not give yourself an injection if you do not understand these instructions. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help.

If you use this medicine at home, keep a diary of the days and times you gave the injection and where you injected it on your body.

The hyaluronidase and immune globulin kit comes with patient instructions for preparing and injecting your dose. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not shake the vials or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. The medicines should look clear and have no color, but the immune globulin may appear a pale yellow. Do not use if either medicine looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of hyaluronidase or immune globulin is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Use disposable injection items (syringe, needle, catheter, tubing) only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

While using hyaluronidase and immune globulin, you may need frequent blood tests.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using hyaluronidase and immune globulin.

Take a vial out of the refrigerator up to 60 minutes before preparing your dose, to allow the medicine to reach room temperature. Once a vial has reached room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medicine.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using hyaluronidase and immune globulin. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

• signs of a blood clot in the brain --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the heart or lung --chest pain, rapid heart rate, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• signs of a blood clot in your arm or leg --pain, swelling, warmth, and redness or discoloration;
• signs of a kidney problem --swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urinating;
• signs of a blood cell disorder --pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, or weakness;
• liver problems --fast heart rate, tired feeling, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• lung problems --chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips, pale or blue colored appearance in your fingers or toes; or
• signs of new infection --high fever, flu symptoms, mouth sores, severe headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting.

Common side effects may include:

• redness, itching, swelling and mild pain where the medicine was injected;
• nausea, vomiting;
• fever;
• tired feeling; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hyaluronidase and immune globulin?

Immune globulin can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with hyaluronidase and immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about hyaluronidase and immune globulin.