About Hizentra
Ig therapy is generally delivered in one of two ways. Intravenous Ig therapy, or IVIg, is administered into the vein by a medical professional. Patients with PI typically receive IVIg once every 3–4 weeks. Maintenance IVIg therapy for CIDP is often administered once every 3 weeks.
Subcutaneous Ig therapy, or SCIg, is infused into the fatty layer under the skin (not into a vein). Hizentra is a SCIg therapy. With proper training, most patients can self-infuse Hizentra or receive assistance from a caregiver. For CIDP, Hizentra is infused weekly. For PI, Hizentra may be infused daily or up to every 2 weeks. Talk with your healthcare provider about the dosing option that's right for you.
As a 20% SCIg therapy, Hizentra has the highest concentration of immunoglobulin available in a SCIg treatment, so you can receive the Ig treatment while infusing a lower volume, which potentially could result in fewer needlesticks. Hizentra was specifically designed to deliver Ig levels in half the volume of 10% Ig products,* regardless of which dosing schedule you and your healthcare provider choose.
*Based on an equivalent dose in grams.
Hizentra can be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C [77°F]) for up to 30 months, up to the expiration date printed on the outer carton of the prefilled syringe. This means you don't have to worry about refrigerating Hizentra at home or when you are on the go.
The amount of Hizentra you infuse per month will not change, regardless of how often you infuse.
How long each infusion takes may vary based on a number of factors, including how often you infuse, the number of infusion sites you use, your infusion rate, and other factors. You and your doctor can decide what is best for you.
For PI, you can have infusions as often as every day up to every 2 weeks.
For CIDP, infusions are given once weekly (in 1–2 sessions over 1–2 consecutive days).
The most common side effects in the clinical trials for Hizentra include redness, swelling, itching, and/or bruising at the infusion site; headache; chest, joint or back pain; diarrhea; tiredness; cough; rash; itching; fever, nausea, and vomiting. These are not the only side effects possible. Tell your doctor about any side effects that you may experience.
Hizentra is the first and only Ig available in prefilled syringes. While vials may still be available, prefilled syringes may be a convenient option for some people. Prefilled syringes may also simplify the set-up and transfer of Hizentra for those who have difficulty drawing from vials.
Your doctor can help you decide whether prefilled syringes are right for you.
Travel may be easier with a first and only for Ig—Hizentra Prefilled Syringes.
In a CSL-sponsored Harris Poll survey, 91% of people with PI were satisfied with the ease of travel with prefilled syringes. 70% of people with CIDP reported that prefilled syringes had a very or somewhat positive impact on their ability to travel.*
Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or business—across the state or around the globe—a few simple preparations can help keep you safe:
- Bring enough medication to last the length of your trip
- If flying, take medication with you on the plane
- Keep medications at the right temperature†
- Identify the healthcare resources at your destination
For international travel, you may want to make a few extra preparations:
- Have any items with medical information translated into the language spoken at your destination
- Familiarize yourself with the security policies at any foreign airport you travel through, as they may be substantially different than in US airports
*In an online survey, 30 of 33 adults with PI who have self-infused Ig using prefilled syringes were very/somewhat satisfied with ease of travel; 37 of 53 of those with CIDP reported that prefilled syringes had a very/somewhat positive impact on their ability to travel.
†Hizentra should be stored at room temperature—up to 77°F (25°C). Hizentra is stable for up to 30 months, as indicated by the expiration date printed on the outer carton of the prefilled syringe or vial label.