Hyaluronidase (Injection, Subcutaneous)

Hyaluronidase is a natural substance that occurs in the body. It is obtained from cows or pigs and is processed to remove animal materials. It can also be made in a lab from human albumin sources.

Hyaluronidase injection helps spread other medicines that are given under the skin, making it easier for the body to absorb them. This method is used when a medicine cannot be injected directly into a vein. Hyaluronidase injection is also used to help the body absorb fluids or medicines injected into your skin. Additionally, it is used to improve the absorption of radioactive substances during a procedure called subcutaneous urography.

This medicine should only be given by a doctor or under a doctor's direct supervision.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and if you should continue using it.

This medicine is made from donated human blood products. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to individuals who received them, although the risk is low. Both human donors and donated blood are tested for viruses to minimize this risk. Discuss this risk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Some individuals may be allergic to this medicine. Inform your doctor if you experience a rash, hives, red or itchy skin, or difficulty breathing after receiving hyaluronidase.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has discussed them with you. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of the medicine compared to the benefits it will provide. The following points should be considered for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of hyaluronidase injection.

Geriatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown any specific problems in the elderly that would limit the use of hyaluronidase injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medicine while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. When you receive this medicine, it is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are significant but may not include all possible interactions.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or the frequency of one or both medicines.

• Adenovirus Vaccine, Live
• Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
• Benzocaine
• Bupivacaine
• Bupivacaine Liposome
• Butacaine
• Chloroprocaine
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Cocaine
• Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
• Dibucaine
• Ebola Zaire Vaccine, Live
• Etidocaine
• Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
• Lidocaine
• Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
• Mepivacaine
• Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
• Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
• Prilocaine
• Procaine
• Proparacaine
• Propoxycaine
• Ropivacaine
• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Smallpox Monkeypox Vaccine, Live Non-Replicating
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Tetracaine
• Typhoid Vaccine, Live
• Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• Zoster Vaccine, Live

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime, or with certain foods, due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medical problems you have, especially:

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of hyaluronidase. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems.

• Infection at the injection site—This may increase the chance of side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives or welts
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• skin rash
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Blurred vision
• chills
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• nausea or vomiting
• redness of the skin
• sweating
• swelling
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusually warm skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Amphadase
• Hydase
• Hylenex
• Vitrase

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Tissue Permeability Modifier

Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

Before receiving this medicine for the first time, you may be given a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to the medicine.

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: For better uptake of other drugs: Adults—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

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.

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