Hizentra drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Hizentra is used to strengthen the body's natural defenses against infection in people with a condition that weakens the immune system. Immunoglobulins contain natural substances called antibodies (a type called IgG) that come from healthy human blood. These antibodies help protect your body against infection and help you fight infection if you get sick. Some immunoglobulin products may also be used to treat a certain nerve disorder (chronic polyneuritis - CIDP).

Hizentra is indicated in the following cases:
Primary immunodeficiency disorder No gamma globulin in the blood Severe immunodeficiency disease Common variable Agammaglobulinemia Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Prevention of bacterial infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A neurological disease with muscle weakness is called chronic polyneuropathy. Hizentra is contraindicated in the following cases:
Destruction of red blood cells Meningitis Blood vessel blockages due to blood clots Risk of blood clots Reduced kidney function Acute infusion-related lung injury Blood Increased levels of the amino acid proline in the blood

Carefully read the instructions your doctor gives you before you start using Hizentra Immune Globulin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions about this product, consult your doctor. Hizentra is used by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once per week. Some products may be given as often as daily, for up to 2 weeks at a time. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about how often to use Hizentra. The dose of Hizentra is calculated based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. If you are self-administering Hizentra, learn all preparation and use instructions for the medication and infusion pump from your healthcare professional and product instructions. Do not inject this product into a blood vessel. You also need to learn how to safely store and dispose of needles and medical supplies. Do not shake Hizentra, before use, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If there is an abnormal change, do not use the liquid. Change the location of the injection site(s) with each dose to avoid problem areas. Recommended injection sites are the abdomen, thighs, biceps and hips. Patients who are receiving immunoglobulins for the first time, who are switched from another brand of immunoglobulins, or who have not received immunoglobulins in the past 2 months may be at increased risk for fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, but rarely shock. It is recommended that these patients get their first dose of Hizentra at the hospital or doctor's office so that they can be monitored for these side effects. Use Hizentra regularly to get the most benefit from it. Mark your calendar with reminders of the days you will receive your medication. Tests such as IgG levels, complete blood count should be performed periodically to monitor your progress while using Hizentra.

When using Hizentra, mild swelling, redness, or itching may occur at the injection site and usually subside as your body adapts to the medicine. Headache, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, or pain may also occur. If any of Hizentra's side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Hizentra because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use this product without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of Hizentra, including: Signs of kidney problems, sudden weight gain, fast heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects of Hizentra, including: Severe headache, stiff neck, eye pain, trouble breathing, sensitivity to light.
Although highly unlikely, this product may contain substances such as viruses that can cause infection because it is made from human blood (plasma). Careful screening of blood donors, special manufacturing methods, and tests are all used to reduce this risk.
Discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection such as: Persistent fever, persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to Hizentra is very rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Hizentra, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, get medical help right away.
Below are Hizentra side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Hizentra include:
Sore throat Fever Skin rash Injection site reactions Fatiation Headache Nausea Uncommon Hizentra side effects include
Pain Migraine headache Backache Cough Vomiting Diarrhea Upper abdominal pain Rare side effects of Hizentra include:
Noninfectious meningitis Destruction of red blood cells Blood vessel blockage due to blood clot A blood clot Decreased kidney function Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reaction to the drug Itching Callus skin This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur with the use of Hizentra. If you notice other effects of Hizentra not listed above, contact your doctor for prompt treatment.

Before using Hizentra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this product; or other immunoglobulin products with any other allergies if any. Hizentra products may contain inactive ingredients (such as polysorbate 80) and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Hizentra, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Certain immune system problems (selective immunoglobulin A deficiency with known antibodies against IgA, disease gamonal monoclonal), kidney disease, diabetes, current blood infections, dehydration.
Some immunoglobulin products are made from maltose. This substance can cause falsely high blood sugar when your blood sugar is normal or even low. If you have diabetes, check with your pharmacist whether the product you are using contains maltose and whether your blood sugar test kits are suitable for this product. Rarely, serious problems can occur when too much insulin is injected due to a falsely high blood sugar reading or when low blood sugar is left untreated.
Tell your doctor about any recent or planned immunizations/vaccinations. Hizentra can prevent a good response to some live attenuated vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella varicella). If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may order a reaction test or you will get the vaccine again later. If you're planning on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will guide you through the best time to get them so you get a good response.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about your use of Hizentra.
For women during pregnancy, Hizentra should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using Hizentra.

Drug interactions can change the way Hizentra works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Hizentra without your doctor's approval.
Hizentra may interfere with certain tests (including some blood sugar, blood type, Coombs tests), possibly causing false test results. Tell all laboratory staff and all your doctors and pharmacists that you use Hizentra and which blood glucose test strips you use.

If you or someone else has overdosed on Hizentra and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
It is important to get each dose of Hizentra on schedule. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new Hizentra dosing schedule.

Different brands of Hizentra have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand or ask your pharmacist. After opening the vial, discard the unused portion immediately. Do not freeze Hizentra, keep away from children and pets. Dispose of this product appropriately when it expires or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com