Hyqvia: Dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and cost

Hyqvia has a boxed warning about the risk of blood clots. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Hyqvia precautions” section.

Hyqvia is a biologic medication (a medication made from parts of living cells). It’s available only as a brand-name medication.

Hyqvia is not currently available in generic or biosimilar form. A generic is an exact copy of a brand-name medication made from chemicals. A biosimilar is like a generic for brand-name biologic drugs. Biologic drugs can’t be copied exactly, but like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug.

Generics and biosimilars usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Hyqvia comes as a pack containing two vials of liquid solution that are taken by subcutaneous infusion (injection under the skin that’s given over a period of time). One vial contains human immune globulin (IG), in a strength of 10 per cent. The other contains recombinant human hyaluronidase (Hy), in a strength of 160 units per milliliter of solution (U/mL). The vials are available in the following volumes:

Hyqvia is used to treat PI in adults and children ages 2 years and older. The recommended dosage depends on several different factors, such as other conditions and whether you are switching from another immunoglobulin treatment.

When you start treatment with Hyqvia, your doctor will gradually increase your dose and the length of time between your doses until the dosing schedule that’s right for you is reached. After the first few weeks of treatment, you’ll typically receive a dose of Hyqvia once every 3 or 4 weeks.

Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions for how much and how often to take Hyqvia.

Hyqvia is used to treat CIDP in adults. The recommended dosage depends on several different factors, as such as your body weight and whether you are switching from another immunoglobulin treatment..

When you start treatment with Hyqvia, your doctor will gradually increase your dose and the length of time between your doses until the dosing schedule that’s right for you is reached. After the first few weeks of treatment, you’ll typically receive a dose of Hyqvia once every 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

Hyqvia is used to treat PI in children ages 2 years and older. The recommended dosage is the same as for adults.

Hyqvia is given by subcutaneous infusion using an infusion pump. You may receive your infusions in your doctor’s office, or in a hospital or infusion centre. A healthcare professional can also teach you or your carer how to administer the infusions at home, if this is right for you.

With Hyqvia, you’ll take the IG solution and Hy solution as separate infusions. The Hy infusion should be administered first, followed by the IG infusion. The Hy helps the IG to be absorbed into your body.

Each time you take your dose, your infusions may be administered in one, two, or three separate infusion sites in your abdomen or thighs. The number of sites needed depends on the dose your doctor prescribes for you. If using more than one site, the volume of Hy and IG needed should be evenly split between the sites used.

The length of time your infusions take will depend on several factors. These include your body weight and whether you have side effects with the infusion. Your infusions will typically start slowly and may be sped up over time if you don’t have bothersome side effects. Your doctor will recommend the Hyqvia infusion rate that’s right for you.

Do not use more Hyqvia than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Hyqvia can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Hyqvia. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Hyqvia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Hyqvia and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Hyqvia. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Hyqvia’s prescribing information.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects from Hyqvia aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

* Hyqvia has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Hyqvia precautions” section.

For some people, Hyqvia can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Hyqvia, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medications such as Hyqvia for certain uses. Hyqvia is FDA-approved to treat certain immune system problems. Information on these is given below.

Hyqvia is approved to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and children ages 2 years and older.

With PI, you have a weak immune system due to a genetic condition you were born with. Examples of these conditions include X-linked agammaglobulinemia and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Your immune system usually helps protect you from infections. So having PI makes it harder for your body to fight infections. Symptoms of PI can include frequent infections, fever, and weight loss.

Hyqvia helps your immune system to fight infections.

Hyqvia is approved to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults.

With CIDP, your immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the protective coating of your nerves. This causes symptoms such as tingling and numbness in your arms and legs, and trouble with movement and walking.

Hyqvia helps to stop your immune system attacking your nerves.

Hyqvia is used to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI) in children ages 2 years and older. Hyqvia is not approved for any other uses in children.

Hyqvia is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, or foods. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

However, this doesn’t mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. For example, new drugs could be approved that interact with Hyqvia.

Before starting Hyqvia treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Hyqvia can interact with certain lab tests and vaccines. Some of these are listed below. This list does not contain all factors that may interact with Hyqvia. If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol is not known to interact with Hyqvia. However, Hyqvia and alcohol can cause some similar side effects, such as headache and nausea. If you have these side effects with Hyqvia, drinking alcohol could make them worse. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking Hyqvia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Hyqvia can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Hyqvia or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. A program called Takeda Patient Support is available for Hyqvia. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website for PI or CIDP.

Generic or biosimilar version: Hyqvia is a brand-name biologic medication that’s not available in a generic or biosimilar form. A biologic medication is made from parts of living cells. A generic is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication made from chemicals. A biosimilar is like a generic for a brand-name biologic medication. (It’s not possible to make exact copies of biologics.) Generics and biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Hyqvia, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

You may wonder how Hyqvia compares with other subcutaneous immune globulins, such as Cuvitru and Hizentra.

Hyqvia, Cuvitru, and Hizentra are all used to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI). Both Hyqvia and Hizentra are also used for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). These medications are all taken by subcutaneous infusion (injection just under the skin that’s given over a period of time).

The active ingredient in Hyqvia, Cuvitru, and Hizentra is immune globulin (human). Hyqvia also contains another active ingredient called hyaluronidase (recombinant human). This ingredient is an enzyme (type of protein) that helps your body absorb immune globulin from under your skin. Hyqvia contains a lower concentration of immune globulin than Cuvitru and Hizentra because the hyaluronidase helps your body absorb more of it.

Hyqvia infusions take less time to administer than Cuvitru and Hizentra infusions. They can also be taken less frequently (every 2, 3, or 4 weeks compared to daily, weekly, or every 2 weeks).

To learn more about the difference between Hyqvia, Cuvitru, and Hizentra, talk with your doctor.

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding.

It’s not known whether Hyqvia should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

It’s not known whether Hyqvia is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re taking Hyqvia.

It’s not known whether Hyqvia should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Hyqvia.

Hyqvia is not known to cause weight gain. However on rare occasions, it can cause kidney problems that could lead to sudden weight gain. Other possible symptoms of kidney problems can include swelling in your legs or feet and reduced urination.

If you experience sudden weight gain or other symptoms of kidney problems while taking Hyqvia, see your doctor right away.

Hyqvia is not known to cause weight gain. However on rare occasions, it can cause kidney problems that could lead to sudden weight gain. Other possible symptoms of kidney problems can include swelling in your legs or feet and reduced urination.

If you experience sudden weight gain or other symptoms of kidney problems while taking Hyqvia, see your doctor right away.

Important precautions to consider before taking Hyqvia are discussed below.

This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of blood clots. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Taking Hyqvia can raise the risk of dangerous blood clots developing in your veins or arteries. Examples include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of a blood clot can include:

If you have symptoms of a blood clot while taking Hyqvia, call your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.

To help lower your risk of blood clots, be sure to drink plenty of fluids during your Hyqvia treatment to avoid becoming dehydrated. Make sure you are adequately hydrated before each Hyqvia infusion.

If you have questions about the risk of blood clots with Hyqvia, talk with your doctor.

Before taking Hyqvia, discuss your health history with your doctor. Hyqvia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Hyqvia, see the “Hyqvia side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.