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Cutaquig (subcutaneous)
Generic name: immune globulin (subcutaneous)
Brand names: Cutaquig, Cuvitru, Hizentra, Xembify
What is Cutaquig?
Cutaquig (subcutaneous) is used to treat primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Cutaquig is also used to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and numbness).
Cutaquig may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
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Warnings
This medicine can cause blood clots. The risk is highest in older adults or in people who have had blood clots, heart problems, or blood circulation problems. Blood clots are also more likely during long-term bedrest, while using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or while having a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.
Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, numbness or weakness, or swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.
This medicine can also harm your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease or if you also use certain medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of kidney problems, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urination.
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Before taking this medicine
You should not use Cutaquig if:
- you have had an allergic reaction to Cutaquig or any blood product; or
- you have Cutaquig A (IgA) deficiency with an antibody to IgA.
You may not be able to use Cutaquig if you have ever had an allergic reaction to polysorbate 80, or if you have a condition called hyperprolinemia (a high level of a certain amino acid in the blood).
This medicine can cause blood clots or kidney problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";
- a stroke or blood clot;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes;
- an infection called sepsis;
- if you use estrogens (such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
- if you have been on long-term bedrest; or
- if you have a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.
You may need a dose adjustment if you are exposed to measles or if you travel to an area where this disease is common.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Cutaquig is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small chance it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.
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Cutaquig side effects
Stop using Cutaquig and seek emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing; dizziness, feeling faint; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Cutaquig may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- a blood cell disorder--pale or yellow skin, dark urine, fever, confusion, or weakness;
- kidney issues--little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath;
- lung problems--chest pain, difficulty breathing, blue lips, fingers, or toes;
- signs of a new infection--fever with a severe headache, stiff neck, eye pain, and increased sensitivity to light; or
- signs of a blood clot--shortness of breath, chest pain with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.
Common side effects of Cutaquig may include:
- wheezing, difficulty breathing;
- pain, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, or a hard lump at the injection site;
- fever, fatigue, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain;
- itching, rash, or other skin issues;
- cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough;
- headache, migraine; or
- pain in any part of your body.
This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How is Cutaquig given?
Cutaquig is injected under the skin using an infusion pump. The medicine enters the body through a catheter placed under your skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Cutaquig is sometimes given daily, and sometimes once every 1 to 2 weeks. Use this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times. If you use this medication at home, keep a diary of the days and times you gave the injection and where you injected it on your body.
Cutaquig must be given slowly, and you may need to use up to 8 different catheters to infuse this medicine into different body areas at the same time. Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject this medicine. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has is cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine.
Do not inject Cutaquig into a vein.
You will need frequent blood tests. This medicine can affect the results of certain other medical tests you may need. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Cutaquig.
Store Cutaquig in the original carton at room temperature. Protect from heat and light.
You may also store this medicine in its original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze Cutaquig, and throw the medicine away if it has frozen.
You will need to use your medicine within a certain number months. This will depend on the how you store the medicine (at room temperature, or in a refrigerator). Carefully follow the storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label has passed.
Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use disposable injection items (needle, catheter, tubing) only once only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not get a "live" vaccine while using Cutaquig. The vaccine may not work properly and may not completely protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
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What other drugs will affect Cutaquig?
Cutaquig can be harmful to your kidneys, especially if you are also taking certain medications for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, preventing organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Other drugs may interact with Cutaquig, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.