Pronunciation:

hye-al-ure-ON-i-dase

Brand Names:

• Amphadase
• Hydase
• Hylenex
• Vitrase

Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Tissue Permeability Modifier

Pharmacologic—

Enzyme

Uses of This Medicine:

Hyaluronidase is a natural substance found in the body. Hyaluronidase is collected from either cows or pigs. It is cleaned up to remove animal substances. Hyaluronidase is a spreading substance. Hyaluronidase is used with other drugs 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.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine 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.

Children—

This medicine has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults—

This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy—

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast-feeding—

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.

Other medicines—

Using this medicine 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
• Butacaine
• Chloroprocaine
• Cocaine
• Dibucaine
• Etidocaine
• Lidocaine
• Mepivacaine
• Prilocaine
• Procaine
• Proparacaine
• Propoxycaine
• Ropivacaine
• Tetracaine

Other interactions—

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.

Proper Use of This 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.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

Some people may be allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor if you develop red or itching skin or if you have trouble breathing after you receive hyaluronidase.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

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 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 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 skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

tightness in chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

wheezing

Symptoms of Overdose

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

Blurred vision

chills

confusion

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

flushing

nausea

redness of skin

swelling

unusually warm skin

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

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 skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at injection site

Incidence not known

Swelling

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.