Hizentra

See also Warning section.

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 tests (including certain blood sugar tests, blood type, Coombs test), possibly causing false test results. This can lead to serious (possibly fatal) consequences. Tell all lab personnel and all your doctors and pharmacists that you use this medication, and which type of blood sugar testing strips you use.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

See also Warning section.

Mild swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site may occur and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. Headache, upset stomach, fever, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, or pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), sudden weight gain, fast heartbeat.

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 develop severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, high fever, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or severe nausea/vomiting.

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

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/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.

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

This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are an older adult, are severely dehydrated, have a catheter in a vein close to your heart for giving medications, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as very long plane flights or bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, discuss the risks and benefits and if you have any of these conditions, report them to your doctor or pharmacist.

The risk of blood clots may be decreased by infusing this medication more slowly or by using a less concentrated form of this medication if available. Being adequately hydrated before receiving this medication may also help reduce this risk.

Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, or confusion.

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 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as IgG levels, complete blood count) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

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

This medication is given slowly by injection (infusion) under the skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or hips. Depending on your product, this medication may be given as often as every day up to once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully on how often to receive this medication. 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.

Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site(s) each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after each dose. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Patients who are getting immune globulin for the first time, those who are switched from another brand of immune globulin, or those who have not received immune globulin in the past 2 months may be at risk of developing fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and rarely shock. It is recommended that these patients receive their first dose of this medication in the doctor's office/clinic so they can be monitored for these side effects.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. 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.