Hizentra

What is Hizentra?

Hizentra (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.

Hizentra subcutaneous injection(for injection under the skin) is used to treat primary immunodeficiency diseases. This includes, but is not limited to, the humoral immune defect in congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.

Hizentra 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).

Important Information

Hizentra can cause severe allergic reactions, kidney failure, liver problems, or blood clots. The risk of blood clots is highest in older adults or in people who have had blood clots, heart problems, or blood circulation problems. Blood clots are also more likely during long-term bedrest, while using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or while having a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.

Stop using Hizentra and call your doctor at once if you have little or no urination, swelling or rapid weight gain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, numbness or weakness, or swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are using Hizentra to help improve your blood flow and keep your kidneys working properly.

You should not use Hizentra if you have a condition called hyperprolinemia (high level of a certain amino acid in the blood).

Before using this medicine

You should not use Hizentra 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 Hizentra 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).

To make sure Hizentra injection is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";

• a stroke or blood clot;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• 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.

Hizentra 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 is Hizentra given?

Hizentra 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.

Hizentra 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.

Hizentra 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 care provider will show you where to on your body to inject Hizentra. 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 Hizentra 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 Hizentra.

Store Hizentra 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 Hizentra, 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.

What happens if I miss a dose of Hizentra?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose of Hizentra?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Hizentra?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Hizentra. 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.

Hizentra side effects

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Hizentra: 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:

• kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, rapid weight gain;

• liver problems - fast heart rate, tiredness, 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;

• signs of new infection - high fever, severe headache, drowsiness, neck stiffness, painful eye movements, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness; or

• signs of a blood clot - shortness of breath, 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 Hizentra side effects may include:

• wheezing, trouble breathing;

• redness, bruising, itching, and swelling 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;

• 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?

Immune globulin can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, or pain or arthritis (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Hizentra only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.