Hylenex injectable

Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with hyaluronidase. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines.

You should not be treated with hyaluronidase if you are allergic to it.

Your doctor may perform a skin test to see if you are allergic to hyaluronidase before you receive the medication.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with hyaluronidase. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• furosemide (Lasix);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• a sedative or anxiety medication (such as diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Tranxene, and others);

• aspirin or salicylates;

• cortisone or ACTH (Corticotropin);

• estrogens; or

• an antihistamine (such as a cold or allergy medicine).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether hyaluronidase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hylenex (hyaluronidase) is a genetically designed protein.

Hylenex is used together with fluids injected into the body to treat dehydration. Hyaluronidase can also be used as an aid in helping your body absorb other injected medications.

Hylenex is also used to help contrast dyes in your body show more clearly on certain types of x-rays or scans.

Other drugs may interact with hyaluronidase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Applies to hyaluronidase: powder for solution, solution

Along with its needed effects, hyaluronidase (the active ingredient contained in Hylenex) 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 while taking hyaluronidase:

• 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 while taking hyaluronidase:

• 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 of hyaluronidase 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 or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• 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

Applies to hyaluronidase: injectable powder for injection, injectable solution

Local

Local reactions are the most common side effects. The most common side effect during hypodermoclysis is edema.[Ref]

Other

Hyaluronidase (the active ingredient contained in Hylenex) increases the side effects of coadministered drugs.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included urticaria and angioedema in less than 0.1% of patients. Anaphylactic-like reactions have rarely been reported after intravenous or retrobulbar injection.[Ref]

One clinic has reported a possible increase in cases of angioedema related to the use of pharmacy-compounded hyaluronidase in cataract surgery as opposed to that seen with the use of manufactured products.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included case reports of hypersensitivity reactions after retrobulbar injections, which manifested as increased intraorbital pressure and swelling, periorbital edema, and localized pruritus.[Ref]

Some side effects of Hylenex may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.