Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human)

Brand Name(s): Cutaquig®, Cuvitru®, Gammagard®, Gamex®-C, Hizentra®, Hyqvia®, Xembify®

Why is this medicine prescribed?

SCIG (Cutaquig ®

, Cuvitru ®

, Gammagard ®

, Gamex-C ®

, Hizentra ®

, Hyqvia ® , Xembify

® ) is used is used to treat primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). SCIG is in a class of medications called immune globulins. It works by providing antibodies to fight infections and to manage other conditions.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

SCIG medications come as a solution (liquid) to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) using an infusion pump. It will be given as directed by your doctor to manage your condition and specific needs.

Your doctor may allow you or a caregiver to perform the infusions at home. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you or the person who will be performing the infusion how to prepare and give your SCIG medication. Before you give your SCIG medication injection for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

SCIG medications may cause serious allergic reactions. Your doctor will watch you carefully while you are receiving the medication. Your doctor may stop your infusion if you have an allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or get emergency care: chest tightness; difficulty breathing; wheezing; itching; swelling of your face, tongue, mouth, or throat; rash; hives; or dizziness or fainting.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking SCIG,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to immune globulin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the SCIG medication. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to hyaluronidase if you are to receive SCIG (Hyqvia ® ). Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
  • tell your doctor if you have hyperprolinemia (excess amounts of the amino acid proline in the blood) if you are to receive SCIG (Hizentra ® ).
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving SCIG medications, call your doctor.
  • do not have any vaccinations (live vaccines such as measles, mumps and rubella,) without talking to your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

SCIG may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • redness, itching or swelling at the place of injection
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • redness, swelling, or pain at the place of injection

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop using SCIG and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, nausea, and vomiting
  • decreased urination; sudden weight gain; swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; and/or shortness of breath
  • tiredness, increased heart rate, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark-colored urine
  • trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips or extremities, and fever
  • fever, chills, tiredness, and other signs of infection

SCIG may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (

1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking an SCIG medication.

If you receive SCIG (Cutaquig ® ) and need to do glucose testing, your healthcare provider may tell you to use a different way to monitor your blood sugar levels on the day that you receive an infusion. Ask your healthcare provider which glucose testing system you can use while using SCIG (Cutaquig ® ).

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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