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

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

Brand Name(s):

Hylenex, Vitrase

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.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088