Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach or thigh. You or your caregiver may be trained to prepare and inject this medicine at home. Be sure that you understand how to use the medicine.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be shown the body areas where the medicine can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself an infusion. Keep track of where you give each infusion to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems. Do not inject this medicine into skin with bony areas, blood vessels, scars, or areas that are inflamed or infected.

Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for up to 60 minutes before using it. Do not warm it in any other way. Do not shake.

To use immune globulin and recombinant human hyaluronidase injection:

  • Gather the items you will need on a clean, flat surface using a cloth or towel in a well-lighted area.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Check the liquid in the vials (glass container). The immune globulin solution should be clear and colorless or pale yellow. The hyaluronidase solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on how to prepare the correct amount of medicine.
  • With two fingers, pinch together the skin at the injection site. Insert the needle with the tube under the skin.
  • Put sterile gauze and tape over the injection site to keep the needle from coming out.
  • Before starting the infusion, make sure no blood is flowing into the infusion tube. If blood is present, remove and throw away the used needle and tube.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on how to use the infusion pump.
  • Remove the peel-off portion of the label from the used vial. Place this label in your treatment diary or log book. Write down the amount of medicine you used, the date, and the time of your treatment.
  • When all of the medicine has been infused, turn off the pump.
  • Take the gauze off and remove the needle and tube from your skin.
  • Clean and store the infusion pump.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form (solution):
    • For primary immunodeficiency:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 300 to 600 milligrams (mg) per kilograms (kg) at 3 to 4 week intervals, after an initial ramp-up.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in its original container in the refrigerator for up to 36 months. You may also store it at room temperature for up to 3 months during the first 24 months from the manufacturing date printed on the carton. Do not freeze. Do not put it back in the refrigerator once kept in room temperature.

Throw away used needles and tubes in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.