Hyaluronidase Subcutaneous, Injection Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Hyaluronidase

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Amphadase
- Hydase
- Hylenex
- Vitrase

Available Dosage Forms:

- Solution

Therapeutic Class: Tissue Permeability Modifier

Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme

## Uses for hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is a natural substance found in the body, which is collected from either cows or pigs. It is cleaned up to remove animal substances. It may also be produced in a laboratory that recreates it from human albumin sources.

Hyaluronidase injection is a spreading substance. It is used with other medicines given under the skin to improve their uptake by the body. This method of drug delivery is only used when the drug cannot be given by injection into a vein. Hyaluronidase injection is also used to increase absorption of fluids or medicines that are injected into your skin. It also used to help improve absorption of radioactive substances during a procedure called subcutaneous urography.

Hyaluronidase is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

## Before using hyaluronidase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hyaluronidase, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hyaluronidase or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hyaluronidase injection in children.

### Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hyaluronidase injection in the elderly.

### Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving hyaluronidase, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using hyaluronidase with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

- Benzocaine
- Bupivacaine
- Bupivacaine Liposome
- Butacaine
- Chloroprocaine
- Cocaine
- Dibucaine
- Etidocaine
- Lidocaine
- Mepivacaine
- Prilocaine
- Procaine
- Proparacaine
- Propoxycaine
- Ropivacaine
- Tetracaine

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

### Other medical problems

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, 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—The chance of side effects may be increased.

## Related/similar drugs

dexrazoxane, hyaluronidase, Hylenex, Vitrase, Amphadase

## Proper use of hyaluronidase

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

Before receiving hyaluronidase 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 hyaluronidase 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 hyaluronidase. 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.

Detailed Hyaluronidase dosage information

## Precautions while using hyaluronidase

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving hyaluronidase. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

Hyaluronidase is made from donated human blood products. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.

Some people may be allergic to hyaluronidase. Tell your doctor if you develop a rash, hives, red or itching skin, or troubled breathing after you receive hyaluronidase.

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

## Hyaluronidase 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 or 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.

Hyaluronidase side effects (more detail)

## Frequently asked questions

- Do Herceptin (trastuzumab) injections hurt?

## More about hyaluronidase

- Check interactions
- Reviews (65)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information
- Hyaluronidase Injection (Human)

#### Other brands

Hylenex, Vitrase, Amphadase, Hydase

### Related treatment guides

- Dissolution of Dermal Filler
- Extravasation
- Hypodermoclysis
- Subcutaneous Urography

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer