HyQvia – Human normal immunoglobulin uses, dose and side effects

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100 mg/ml solution for infusion for subcutaneous use in
human normal immunoglobulin

1. What HyQvia is and what it is used for

What HyQvia is

HyQvia contains two solutions for infusion (drip) under the skin ( subcutaneous or sc infusion ). It is supplied as a pack containing a vial of human normal immunoglobulin 10% (the active substance) and a vial of recombinant human hyaluronidase (a substance that helps human normal immunoglobulin 10% to enter the bloodstream).

Human normal immunoglobulin 10% belong to a group of medicines called “human normal immunoglobulins”. Immunoglobulins are also called antibodies and are found in the blood of healthy people. Antibodies are part of the immune system (the body’s natural defense system) and help the body fight infections.

How HyQvia works

The vial of immunoglobulins has been prepared from the blood of healthy people. The drug works in exactly the same way as immunoglobulins that are found naturally in the blood. Recombinant human hyaluronidase is a protein that makes it easier for immunoglobulins to be infused (given as a drip) under the skin and into the bloodstream.

What HyQvia is used for

HyQvia is used in patients with weak immune systems, who do not have enough antibodies in their blood and often suffer from infections. Regular and adequate doses of HyQvia can raise the abnormally low levels of immunoglobulin in the blood to normal levels ( substitution therapy ).

HyQvia is prescribed as replacement therapy for patients who do not have enough antibodies, which includes the following groups:

  • patients with congenital incapacity or impaired ability to produce antibodies (primary immunodeficiency disease).
  • Patients who experience severe or recurrent infection due to a weakened immune system caused by other conditions or treatments.

2. What you need to know before using HyQvia

HyQvia must not be injected or infused

  • if you are allergic to immunoglobulins, hyaluronidase, recombinant hyaluronidase or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (see section 6, “Contents of the pack and other information”)
  • if you have an antibody to immunoglobulin A ( IgA ) in your blood. This can happen if you are deficient in IgA . Because HyQvia contains trace amounts of IgA , you may have an allergic reaction .
  • in a blood vessel ( intravenously ).

Warnings and cautions

The following warnings and precautions should be considered before receiving or using HyQvia. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or nurse.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

The effects of long-term use of recombinant human hyaluronidase on pregnancy, lactation, and fertility are currently unknown.

HyQvia should only be used by pregnant or lactating women after consultation with your doctor. If you become pregnant while using HyQvia, you should also discuss with your doctor the possibility of participating in a pregnancy registry to collect data on your pregnancy and your baby’s development. The purpose of such a register is to collect and share data only with the public health authorities responsible for the safety of this product. Participation in this register is voluntary.

Allergic reactions

You may be allergic to immunoglobulins without knowing it. Allergic reactions such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or anaphylactic shock (severe drop in blood pressure combined with other symptoms such as swelling of the airways, difficulty breathing, and rash) are rare, but they can sometimes occur even if you have not had problems with similar treatments before. The risk of getting allergic reactions is higher if you have IgA deficiency with anti-IgA antibodies. Signs or symptoms of these rare allergic reactions include:

  • feeling drunk, dizzy, fainting
  • rash and itching , swelling of the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing
  • abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain, blue lips, fingers or toes
  • blurred vision.

First, a doctor or nurse infuses HyQvia slowly and monitors you during the first infusions so that any allergic reactions can be detected and treated immediately.

  • If you notice any of these signs during the infusions , tell your doctor or nurse immediately. He or she decides whether the infusion rate should be slowed down or whether the infusion should be stopped altogether.

Infusion rate

It is very important to infuse the drug at the right rate. Your doctor or nurse will advise you on the appropriate infusion rate when infusing HyQvia at home (see section 3, “ How to use HyQvia ”).

Monitoring during infusion

Some side effects may be more common if:

  • you get HyQvia for the first time.
  • you have received another immunoglobulin and have switched to HyQvia.
  • it has been a long interval (eg more than 2 or 3 infusion intervals) since you last received HyQvia.
    • In such cases, you will be closely monitored during the first infusion and during the first hour after the end of the infusion .

In all other cases, you should be monitored during infusion one and for at least 20 minutes after receiving HyQvia during the first infusions.

Treatment at home

Before starting treatment at home, appoint a supervisor. You and your supervisor are trained to detect early signs of side effects, especially allergic reactions. The supervisor should help you keep track of any side effects. During infusion, the need to be alert to the early signs of side effects are (further information in section 4, ” Possible side effects”).

  • If you experience any side effects , you or your supervisor should stop the infusion immediately and contact a doctor.
  • If you experience a serious side effect , you or your supervisor should seek emergency help immediately .

Spread of local infection er

Do not infuse HyQvia in or around an infected or red and swollen area of ​​the skin as it may spread the infection.

No long-term ( chronic ) changes in the skin have been observed in clinical trials. All prolonged inflammation, lumps (nodules), or inflammation that occurs at the infusion site and lasts for more than a few days should be reported to a doctor.

Effects on blood tests

HyQvia contains several different antibodies and some of these may affect blood tests (serological tests).

  • Talk to your doctor about your treatment with HyQvia before taking a blood test.

Information about the source material in HyQvia

Human normal immunoglobulin 10% in HyQvia and human serum albumin (an ingredient in recombinant human hyaluronidase) are produced from human plasma (the liquid part of the blood). When medicines are made from human blood or human plasma, certain measures are taken to prevent the spread of infection to patients. These include:

  • careful selection of blood and plasma donors to ensure that those at risk of infection are excluded, and
  • testing of all donations and plasma pools to detect signs of viruses / infections.

Even during the manufacture of these products, measures are taken in blood or plasma processing that can inactivate or eliminate viruses. Nevertheless, the risk of transmission of infection can not be completely ruled out when drugs made from human blood or human plasma are used. This also applies to unknown and new viruses or other types of infection.

The measures taken in the manufacture of HyQvia are considered to be effective for enveloped viruses, e.g. human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ), hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, and for non-enveloped hepatitis A virus and parvovirus B19.

Immunoglobulins have not been associated with infections with hepatitis A virus or parvovirus B19, possibly because the antibody is against these infectious s contained in HyQvia is protective.

It is recommended that the following information be noted in the treatment diary each time you receive a dose of HyQvia:

  • the date of administration
  • the batch number of the medicinal product and
  • the volume injected, the flow rate, the number of infusion sites and their location.

Children and young people

The same indications, dose, and frequency of infusion as for adults apply to children and adolescents (0-18 years).

Other medicines and HyQvia

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Vaccinations

HyQvia can reduce the effects of certain viral vaccines such as measles, rubella, mumps, and chickenpox (live virus vaccines). Once you have received HyQvia, you may have to wait up to 3 months before receiving certain vaccines. You may have to wait up to 1 year after receiving HyQvia before you can get the measles vaccine.

  • Talk to your vaccination doctor or nurse about your treatment with HyQvia.

Driving and using machines

Patients may experience side effects (such as dizziness or nausea) during treatment with HyQvia that may affect their ability to drive and use machines. If this happens, wait until the reactions have passed.

HyQvia contains sodium

This medicine contains 5.0-60.5 mg sodium (the main ingredient in table salt/table salt) per vial of HyQvia recombinant human hyaluronidase. This corresponds to 0.25–3% of the highest recommended daily intake of sodium for adults. The IG 10% component is almost “sodium-free”.

3. How to use HyQvia

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Consult a doctor if you are unsure.

HyQvia must be infused under the skin ( subcutaneous or sc administration ).

Treatment with HyQvia is started by a doctor or nurse, but you can use the medicine at home once you have received the first infusions under medical supervision and you (and/or your supervisor) have received appropriate training. You and your doctor will decide if you can use HyQvia at home. Do not start treatment with HyQvia at home until you have received complete instructions.

Dosage

Your doctor will calculate the correct dose for you based on your body weight, any previous treatment you may have received, and how you are responding to the treatment. The recommended starting dose is 400 to 800 mg of active substance per kg body weight per month. Initially, you will receive a quarter of this dose at 1-week intervals. The dose is gradually increased to larger doses over 3 to 4-week intervals during the following infusions. Sometimes the doctor may recommend that large doses be divided and given in two places at the same time. Your doctor may also adjust your dose depending on how you respond to treatment.

Start treatment

Your treatment is started by a doctor or nurse who has experience in treating patients with weak immune systems and instructing patients on in-home treatment. You will be closely monitored throughout the infusion one and for at least 1 hour after the infusion one has been stopped to see how well you tolerate the medicine. Initially, the doctor or nurse uses a slow infusion rate and gradually increases it during the first infusion and during subsequent infusions. Once the doctor or nurse has arrived at the right dose and infusion rate for you, you can give the treatment to yourself at home.

Treatment at home

You will be instructed in:

  • Bacteria-free (aseptic) infusion techniques
  • How to use an infusion pump or syringe pump (if needed)
  • How to keep treatment diary
  • Measures to be taken in case of serious side effects .

You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding the dose, infusion rate, and schedule of infusion of HyQvia so that the treatment works for you.

Patients <40 kgPatients ≥ 40 kg
Interval / minutesFirst two infusions
(ml / hour / infusion site)
The following 2‑3 infusions
(ml / hour / infusion site)
The first two infusion engines
(ml / h / infusion site)
The following 2‑3 infusions
(ml / hour / infusion site)
10 minutes5101010
10 minutes10203030
10 minutes204060120
10 minutes4080120240
Remaining infusion80160240300

If you get a leak at the infusion site

Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if another needle size would be better for you.

All changes regarding needle size must be monitored by your treating physician.

If you use more HyQvia than you should 

If you think you have used too much HyQvia, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you forget to use HyQvia

Do not infuse double dose HyQvia to compensate for the missed dose. If you think you have missed a dose, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

Detailed instructions for use can be found in the section below.

1. Remove the HyQvia from the box: Allow the vials to reach room temperature. It can take up to 60 minutes. Do not use heating devices, such as microwave ovens.HyQvia must not be heated or shaken. Check all HyQvia vials before use: Expiry date: May not be used after the expiry date.Color: Recombinant human hyaluronidase should be clear and colorless. Human normal immunoglobulin 10% should be clear and colorless or pale yellow. If any of the liquids are cloudy or contain particles, do not use them. Lid: A purple protective cap is attached to the device with two vials. Do not use the product if the lid is missing. 
2. Bring out all accessories: Produce all the items needed for infusion one. Articles include HyQvia unit (s) with two vials, infusion accessory ( subcutaneous needle set, solution container (bag or syringe ), sterile clear bandage or tape, pump tubing, transfer device (spike and cannula), syringes, compress and tape), a container for stinging and cutting objects, pump, as well as a treatment logbook and other accessories as needed.
3. Prepare a clean work surface. 
4. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly. Place all accessories and open them according to the instructions given to you by the healthcare professional.
5. Open the HyQvia device (s) with two vials: Remove the purple protective cap and make sure that the blue caps on the vials are removed. If they do not, remove the blue caps manually so that the stoppers on the vials are visible.
Prepare the transfer of the recombinant human hyaluronidase component in HyQvia by wiping each bottle stopper with an alcohol swab, if instructed to do so, and allow to air dry (at least 30 seconds).
6. Prepare the vial of recombinant human hyaluronidase (HY): Take the less sterile syringe out of the package and connect it to a non-aerated spike or needle (needle). Withdraw the plunger, fill the smaller syringe with as much air as the amount of recombinant human hyaluronidase in the HY vial (s). Remove the cap from the needle/vent (spike and cannula). Insert the needle tip (s) of the aerated transfer needle into the center of the vial stopper and push straight down. Press the air into the vial. Turn the vial upside down while leaving the needle / aerated transfer needle in the vial. The tip of the syringe will point upwards. Withdraw the entire contents of recombinant human hyaluronidase into the syringe. Repeat step 6 if dose one requires more than one vial of recombinant human hyaluronidase. If possible, all recombinant human hyaluronidase required for the entire IgG dose should be pooled in the same syringe. Let the syringe tip point upwards and remove all air bubbles by pointing the syringe tip upwards and gently hitting the syringe with your finger. Slowly and gently press the plunger to remove any remaining air.
7. Prepare the needle set with recombinant human hyaluronidase: Connect the syringe filled with recombinant human hyaluronidase to the needle set push the syringe plunger onto the smaller syringe to remove the air and refill the needle set with recombinant human hyaluronidase to the needle wings. Note! Healthcare professionals may recommend that you use a “Y” connection (for more than one location) or another needle set configuration.
8. Prepare the vial with human normal immunoglobulin 10%:Prepare the transfer of the 10% immunoglobulin component in HyQvia by wiping each bottle stopper with an alcohol swab, if prompted to do so, and allow to air dry (at least 30 seconds). Human normal immunoglobulin 10% in HyQvia can be infused either by pooling from the vials into a larger syringe (a) or infusion bag (b) according to the instructions of the healthcare professional, depending on the pump to be used, or directly from the IG vial. Insert the tip of the aerated pump tubing or a pump tubing and aeration needle into the vial (s) with human normal immunoglobulin 10%. Fill the administration pump tubing and set it aside until the recombinant human hyaluronidase has been administered. If more than one vial is required to achieve the full dose, subsequent vials should be punctured after the first vial has been completely administered.(a)(b)
9. Prepare the pump: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to prepare the pump. 
10. Prepare the infusion site: Choose an infusion site in the middle or upper part of the abdomen or thigh. See the picture for different infusion sites. Choose places on opposite sides of the body if you are instructed to infuse your dose of over 600 ml in two places. Avoid bony areas, visible blood vessels, scars, and any areas that are inflamed or infected. Change the infusion site by switching between opposite sides of the body for future infusions . Clean the infusion sites with an alcohol wipe if your healthcare provider asks you to do so. Allow drying (for at least 30 seconds).
11. Insert the needle: Remove the needle cover. Use two fingers and take a firm grip on the skin so that you get at least 2 to 2.5 cm between the fingers. Insert the needle all the way into the wings of the needle with a quick motion, straight into the skin at a 90-degree angle. The wings of the needle should rest against the skin. Secure the needle in place with sterile tape. Repeat this step if you have another infusion site.90º angle to the skin
12. Check that the needle is positioned correctly before starting the infusion if the healthcare professional has instructed you to do so.
13. Secure the needle to the skin: Secure the needle (s) in place by placing a sterile, transparent bandage over the needle. Check the infusion sites from time to time throughout the infusion to see if they are disturbed or leaking.
14. Begin by administering recombinant human hyaluronidase: Slowly push the plunger into the smaller syringe of recombinant human hyaluronidase at an initial rate per infusion site of approximately 1 to 2 ml per minute and increase as tolerated. If using a pump, prepare the pump to infuse recombinant human hyaluronidase at an initial rate per infusion site of approximately 60 to 120 ml/hour and increase as tolerated.
15. Administer human normal immunoglobulin 10%:After all recombinant human hyaluronidase in the smaller syringe has been infused, the syringe should be removed from the needle set hub.
Connect the pump tubing or larger syringe with human normal immunoglobulin 10% to the needle set.
Administer human normal immunoglobulin 10% with a pump at the rates prescribed by healthcare professionals and start infusion one.
 
16. Flush the pump tubing when the infusion is complete if your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so: If instructed to do so by your healthcare provider, connect a sodium chloride bag to the pump tubing/needle set to push human normal immunoglobulin 10% onto the needle wings. 
17. Remove the needle seat: Remove the needle set by loosening the bandage at all edges. Pull the needle wings straight up. Gently press with a small piece of compress over the injection site and cover with a protective bandage. Discard all needles in a container for stabbing and cutting objects. Dispose of the container for stinging and cutting objects according to the instructions provided with the container or contact healthcare professionals.
18. Register the infusion: Remove the removable label containing the product’s batch number and expiration date from the HyQvia vial and attach the label to your treatment journal/logbook. Record the date, time, dose, infusion site (s) (to help you switch sites), and any reactions after each infusion. Dispose of any unused product in the vial and disposable items according to the recommendations of the healthcare professional. Follow up with your doctor according to the instructions you have been given. 

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effects such as headaches, chills, and body aches can be reduced by reducing the infusion rate.

Serious side effects are

Infusion of drugs such as HyQvia can sometimes lead to serious, but rare, allergic reactions. You may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure and in some cases anaphylactic shock.

Your doctor will be aware of these possible side effects and will monitor you during and after the initial infusions.

Typical signs or symptoms include intoxication, dizziness, fainting,

rash and itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain, blue lips, fingers or toes,

blurred vision.

  • If you notice any of these signs during infusion , talk to a doctor or nurse immediately.
  • When using HyQvia at home, you must perform an infusion in the presence of a designated supervisor. The supervisor will help you detect allergic reactions, stop the infusion and get help if needed.
  • See also section 2 of this leaflet for the risk of allergic reactions and the use of HyQvia in the home.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people ):

Pain at the infusion site, including mild to moderate discomfort and tenderness. The reactions usually disappear within a few days

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people ):

Infusion site reactions: These include redness, swelling, itching, calluses, and rash at the infusion site. The reactions usually disappear within a few days. Headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, chest pain, fever, weakness, or malaise.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people ):

Chills, migraines , high blood pressure, distended abdomen, skin rash / allergic rash / redness, itching , pain in the chest, arms and / or legs, swollen genitals (a result of the swelling spreading from the infusion site), swollen legs, feet and ankles, positive blood test for the antibody ‘s

No known frequency (cannot be calculated from the available data):

Hypersensitivity, influenza-like illness and infusion site leakage, meningitis (aseptic meningitis ).

Side effects have been observed with similar drugs

The following side effects have been observed with the infusion of drugs such as human normal immunoglobulin 10% given subcutaneously ( subcutaneously ). Although these side effects have not been observed with HyQvia so far, it is possible that someone using HyQvia may get them:

Tingling, tremors, tingling sensation in the mouth, rapid heartbeat, allergic reactions, hemorrhage or pallor, cold hands or feet, shortness of breath,

swelling of the face, abnormal sweating, muscle stiffness, blood tests showing changes in liver function (elevated ALT ).

The following rare side effects have been observed in patients using drugs such as human normal immunoglobulin 10% given intravenously ( intravenously ). These side effects have not been observed with HyQvia, but there is a small possibility that someone using HyQvia may get them:

Blood clots in the blood vessels (thromboembolic reactions) leading to heart attack, stroke , blockage of the deep veins or of the blood vessels that supply the lung (pulmonary embolism), kidney disease or kidney failure , destruction of red blood cells ( hemolysis ).

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This also applies to any side effects not mentioned in this information. You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency. By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.

5. How to store HyQvia

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.

Store in a refrigerator (2 ° C-8 ° C). Do not freeze.

Do not shake.

Store the vials in the outer carton. Sensitive to light.

Do not use this medicine if the solutions are cloudy or contain particles or precipitates.

The unused solution in opened vials should be discarded.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

Content declaration

HyQvia is a device with two vials containing:

  • a solution of recombinant human hyaluronidase (step 1 in HyQvia / infuse it first) and
  • a solution with human normal immunoglobulin 10% (step 2 in HyQvia / infuse this last).

The contents of each vial are described below:

  1. Recombinant human hyaluronidase
    This vial contains recombinant human hyaluronidase.

    The other ingredients are sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, human albumin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ( EDTA ), disodium, calcium chloride and water for injections (see also section 2, “HyQvia contains sodium” ).
  2. Human normal immunoglobulin 10%
    One ml of the solution in this vial contains 100 mg of human normal immunoglobulin of which at least 98% is immunoglobulin G (IgG).

    The active substance in HyQvia is human normal immunoglobulin. The medicinal product contains trace amounts of immunoglobulin A ( IgA ) (not more than 140 micrograms / ml, 37 micrograms on average).

    The other ingredients in this vial are glycine and water for injections.

What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack

HyQvia is delivered as a package containing:

  • a glass vial of recombinant human hyaluronidase, and
  • a glass vial of human normal immunoglobulin 10%.

Recombinant human hyaluronidase is a clear and colorless solution.

Human normal immunoglobulin 10% is a clear and colorless or slightly yellow solution.

The following pack sizes are available:

Recombinant human hyaluronidaseHuman normal immunoglobulin 10%
Volume (ml)Protein (grams)Volume (ml)
1.252.525
2.5550
510100
1020200
1530300

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Baxalta Innovations GmbH

Industriestrasse 67

A 1221 Vienna

Austria

Tel .: +800 66838470

Email: medinfoEMEA@shire.com

Manufacturer

Baxalta Belgium Manufacturing SA

Boulevard René Branquart 80

B ‑ 7860 Lessines

Belgium

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