Generic name: Immune globulin (subcutaneous)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Hizentra Prefilled Syringe?
Immune globulin subcutaneous (for injection under the skin) is used to treat primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Immune globulin is also used to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness and numbness).
Immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if:
- you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin or blood product; or
- you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.
You may not be able to use immune globulin subcutaneous if you have ever had an allergic reaction to polysorbate 80, or if you have a condition called hyperprolinemia (high level of a certain amino acid in the blood).
This medicine can cause blood clots or kidney problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";
- a stroke or blood clot;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes;
- an infection called sepsis;
- if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
- if you have been on long-term bedrest; or
- if you have a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.
You may need a dose adjustment if you are exposed to measles, or if you travel to an area where this disease is common.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Immune globulin is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.
How should I use Hizentra Prefilled Syringe
Use Hizentra Prefilled Syringe (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Immune globulin subcutaneous is injected under the skin using an infusion pump. The medicine enters the body through a catheter placed under your skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Immune globulin is sometimes given daily, and sometimes once every 1 to 2 weeks. Use this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times. If you use this medication at home, keep a diary of the days and times you gave the injection and where you injected it on your body.
Immune globulin must be given slowly, and you may need to use up to 8 different catheters to infuse this medicine into different body areas at the same time. Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject immune globulin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has is cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine.
Do not inject immune globulin subcutaneous into a vein.
You will need frequent blood tests. This medicine can affect the results of certain other medical tests you may need. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using immune globulin.
Store immune globulin subcutaneous in the original carton at room temperature. Protect from heat and light.
You may also store this medicine in its original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze immune globulin, and throw the medicine away if it has frozen.
You will need to use your medicine within a certain number months. This will depend on the how you store the medicine (at room temperature, or in a refrigerator). Carefully follow the storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label has passed.
Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use disposable injection items (needle, catheter, tubing) only once only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Hizentra Prefilled Syringe side effects
Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, difficult breathing; dizziness, feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a blood cell disorder--pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
- kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
- lung problems--chest pain, trouble breathing, blue colored lips, fingers, or toes;
- signs of a new infection--fever with a severe headache, neck stiffness, eye pain, and increased sensitivity to light; or
- signs of a blood clot--shortness of breath, chest pain with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.
Common side effects may include:
- wheezing, trouble breathing;
- pain, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected;
- fever, tiredness, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain;
- itching, rash, or other skin problems;
- cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough;
- headache, migraine; or
- pain anywhere in your body.
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 Hizentra Prefilled Syringe?
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using immune globulin. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.