Hyaluronidase (Injection, Subcutaneous)
Generic name: hyaluronidase [ hye-al-ure-ON-i-dase ]
Brand names: Amphadase, Hydase, Hylenex, Vitrase
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 16, 2024.
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.
This medicine 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 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.
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.
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.
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 this medicine, 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 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.
- Adenovirus Vaccine, Live
- Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
- Benzocaine
- Bupivacaine
- Bupivacaine Liposome
- Butacaine
- Chloroprocaine
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Cocaine
- Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
- Dibucaine
- Ebola Zaire Vaccine, Live
- Etidocaine
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
- Lidocaine
- Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
- Mepivacaine
- Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
- Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
- Prilocaine
- Procaine
- Proparacaine
- Propoxycaine
- Ropivacaine
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
- Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Smallpox Monkeypox Vaccine, Live Non-Replicating
- Smallpox Vaccine
- Tetracaine
- Typhoid Vaccine, Live
- Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine, Live
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 this medicine. 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.
Proper use of hyaluronidase
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
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.
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.
- For better uptake of other drugs:
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 hyaluronidase
Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.
This medicine 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 this medicine. 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.
Side Effects of hyaluronidase
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.
Related/similar drugs
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
Biological Products Related to hyaluronidase
Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.
Frequently asked questions
More about hyaluronidase
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents
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Amphadase, Hylenex, Vitrase, Hydase
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