Hyaluronidase (hye-al-ure-ON-i-dase)

Helps your body absorb medicines that are injected into your skin.

Brand Name(s):

Hydase, Amphadase, Vitrase, Hylenex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Before receiving this medicine for the first time, you may be given a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to the medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using furosemide (Lasix®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or a sedative such as Valium® or Xanax®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, or similar medicines such as Asacol®, Colazal®, Dipentum®, Pentasa®, or Rowasa®. Tell your doctor if you are using cold or allergy medicine, hormone medicine, or a steroid medicine such as cortisone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chills, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Pain under your skin while the shot is being given.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash, redness, or itching.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.