HyQvia

This kit contains two medications immune globulin and hyaluronidase. Immune globulin is used to boost the body's natural defense system against infection in persons with a weakened immune system (primary immune deficiency). Immune globulin contains natural substances called antibodies (a type called IgG) that come from healthy human blood (plasma). These antibodies help protect your body against infections and help you to fight an infection if you get sick. Hyaluronidase is used to help the body absorb the immune globulin.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using immune globulin/hyaluronidase and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given slowly by injection under the skin (subcutaneous infusion) in the abdomen or thigh as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. Hyaluronidase should be injected first followed by immune globulin. Do not inject this medication into a blood vessel. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Let the medication vials come to room temperature before use. Do not shake the vials. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site(s) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site(s) each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into bony areas or any areas of the skin that are infected, scarred or swollen.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose and dosing interval. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

It is important to receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Keep all your medical and lab appointments.

See also Warning section.

Redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site may occur. Headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast heartbeat, unusual tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a serious swelling of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you have severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or nausea/vomiting.

Lung problems may rarely occur 1 to 6 hours after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips/skin, or fever.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.

Before using immune globulin/hyaluronidase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immune globulin products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain type of immune system deficiency (selective IgA deficiency with known antibody against IgA), kidney disease, diabetes, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), a certain blood problem (paraproteinemia).

Tell your doctor of any recent or planned immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the best time to receive them so you get a good response. Also tell your doctor if you plan to travel to areas that have a measles outbreak or if you have been exposed to measles.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections from the medication (for example, viruses such as hepatitis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Protect the vial from light. If you are giving this medication at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Depending on the date of manufacturing, you may also store this medication at room temperature for up to 3 months. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or your pharmacist for other storage details. Discard any unused portion of an opened vial. Do not return vials to the refrigerator after they have been kept at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including blood type), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory tests (such as IgG levels, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.