Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Human normal immunoglobulin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
What Cuvitru is Cuvitru belongs to a class of medicines called "human normal immunoglobulins". Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies and are found in healthy people's blood. Antibodies are part of the immune system (the body's natural defences) and help your body to fight infections. How Cuvitru works Cuvitru has been prepared from the blood of healthy people. The medicine works in exactly the same way as the immunoglobulins naturally present in the blood. What Cuvitru is used for Cuvitru is used in patients with a weak immune system, who do not have enough antibodies in their blood and tend to get frequent infections. Regular and sufficient doses of Cuvitru can raise abnormally low immunoglobulin levels in your blood to normal levels (replacement therapy). Cuvitru is prescribed to –
patients with inborn lack of antibody production (primary immunodeficiency syndromes).
2
e Cuvitru
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Do NOT use Cuvitru: if you are allergic to immunoglobulins or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). if you have antibodies against immunoglobulin A (IgA) in your blood. This may occur if you have IgA deficiency. Since Cuvitru contains trace amounts of IgA, you might have an allergic reaction. into a blood vessel (intravenously) or a muscle (intramuscularly). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor pharmacist or nurse before using Cuvitru. If Cuvitru remains in siliconized syringes for more than two hours, visible particles may form. The detailed instructions given in "Method and route of administration" in section 3 of this leaflet are to be closely followed. Allergic reactions You may be allergic to immunoglobulins without knowing it. Allergic reactions such as sudden fall in blood pressure or anaphylactic shock (a sharp fall in blood pressure with other symptoms such as swelling of the throat, breathing difficulties and skin rash) are rare but they can occasionally occur even if you have not previously had problems with similar treatments. You are at increased risk of allergic reactions if you have IgA deficiency with anti IgA antibodies. Tell your doctor or nurse prior to treatment if you have IgA deficiency. Cuvitru contains residual amounts of IgA which may increase the risk of an allergic reaction. Signs or symptoms of these rare allergic reactions include: feeling light headed, dizzy or faint skin rash and itchiness, swelling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing abnormal heart rate, chest pain, blueness of lips or fingers and toes blurred vision Your doctor or nurse will first infuse Cuvitru slowly, and carefully monitor you throughout the first infusions so that any allergic reaction can be detected and treated immediately. ► If you notice any of these signs during the infusion, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. He or she will decide whether to slow down the infusion rate or stop the infusion completely. Monitoring during infusion Certain side effects may occur more frequently if: you are receiving Cuvitru for the first time. you have received another immunoglobulin and have been switched to Cuvitru. there has been a long interval since you last received Cuvitru. ► In such cases, you will be closely monitored during your first infusion and for the first hour after your infusion has stopped. In all other cases it is recommended that you are monitored during the infusion and for at least 20 minutes after you receive Cuvitru. Special patient groups Your doctor will take special care if you are overweight, elderly, diabetic, or if you suffer from high blood pressure, low blood volume (hypovolaemia), or problems with your blood vessels (vascular diseases). In these conditions, immunoglobulins may increase the risk of cardiac infarction, stroke, lung embolism, or deep vein thrombosis, although only in very rare cases. Your doctor will also take special care if you have or had previously problems with your kidneys, or if you receive medicinal products that may harm your kidney (nephrotoxic medicinal products), as there is a very rare chance of acute kidney failure.
Inflammation of the layers lining the brain (aseptic meningitis, AMS) Infusions of immunoglobulin products, including Cuvitru, may result in inflammation of the layers lining the brain. Discontinuation of immunoglobulin treatment may result in reduction of AMS within several days. The syndrome usually begins within several hours to 2 days following immunoglobulin treatment. 2
Contact your doctor if you experience the following signs and symptoms: severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to, and discomfort from light, after receiving Cuvitru. Your doctor will decide if further tests are necessary and whether Cuvitru should be continued Destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis) Cuvitru contains blood group antibodies that may cause destruction of red blood cells and haemolytic anaemia. Effects on blood tests Cuvitru contains many different antibodies, some of which can affect blood tests (serological tests). ► Tell your doctor about your treatment with Cuvitru before any blood test. Home treatment You and/or your caregiver will be trained to detect early signs of side effects, especially allergic reactions. During the infusion you or your caregiver must look out for first signs of side effects (for further details see section 4, "Possible side effects"). ► If you experience any side effects, you or your caregiver must stop the infusion immediately and contact a doctor. ► If you experience a severe side effect, you or your caregiver must seek emergency treatment immediately. Information on the source material of Cuvitru Cuvitru is made from human plasma (the liquid part of blood). When medicines are made from human blood or plasma, certain measures are put in place to prevent infections being passed on to patients. These include:
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certain vaccines. You may have to wait for up to 1 year after receiving the last dose Cuvitru before you can receive your measles vaccine. ► Please tell your vaccinating doctor or nurse about your treatment with Cuvitru. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. No clinical trials have been made with Cuvitru in pregnant or breast-feeding women. But experience with immunoglobulins suggests that there are no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy or the baby to be expected. If you are breast-feeding and receive Cuvitru, the antibodies of the medicine can also be found in the breast milk and may also protect your baby from certain infections. Experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on fertility are to be expected. Driving and using machines Patients may experience side effects (for example dizziness or nausea) during treatment with Cuvitru that might affect the ability to drive and use machines. If this happens, you should wait until the reactions have disappeared. 3
Cuvitru
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. Cuvitru has to be infused under the skin (subcutaneous or SC administration). Treatment with Cuvitru will be started by your doctor or nurse, but you may be allowed to use the medicine at home once you have received the first few infusions under medical supervision and you (and/or your caregiver) have been adequately trained. You and your doctor will decide if you can use Cuvitru (e.g. by using an infusion pump or manual administration using a syringe) at home. Do not begin treatment with Cuvitru at home until you have received complete instructions. Dosing Your doctor will calculate the correct dose for you based on your body weight, any previous treatment you may have received and your response to treatment. Your doctor will determine whether you need a loading dose (for adults or children) of at least 1.0 to 2.5 ml/kg of body weight divided over several days. Following this, you will be given Cuvitru on a regular basis, from daily to once every two weeks; the cumulative dose per month will be about 1.5 to 5 ml/kg of body weight for (primary immunodeficiency syndromes) or about 1.0 to 2.0 ml/kg of bodyweight (for secondary immunodeficiency syndromes). Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your response to the treatment. Do not change the dose or dosing interval without contacting your doctor. If you think you should receive Cuvitru more or less frequently, please speak to your doctor. If you think you have missed a dose, please speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Starting treatment Your treatment will be started by a doctor or nurse experienced in treating patients with a weak immune system and in guiding patients for home treatment. You will be watched carefully throughout the infusion and for at least 1 hour after stopping the infusion to see how well you tolerate the medicine. In the beginning your doctor or nurse will use a slow infusion speed and gradually increase it during the first infusion and in the following infusions. Once the doctor or nurse has found the right dose and speed of infusion for you, you may be allowed to give the treatment to yourself at home.
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Home treatment Cuvitru can be administered by yourself or your caregiver. You will be trained by a doctor or nurse experienced in the guidance and treatment of patients like you. The doctor or nurse will be with you for the first few treatments. You or your caregiver will be instructed in: germ free (aseptic) infusion techniques, the use of an administration device (if needed), keeping a treatment diary, and measures to be taken in case of severe side effects. You must carefully follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dose, infusion speed and schedule for infusing Cuvitru so that your treatment works for you. Method and route of administration Selection of Infusion Site(s): Suggested areas for subcutaneous infusion of Cuvitru are abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or lower back. Cuvitru may be infused into multiple infusion sites. Infusion sites should be at least 10 cm apart, Avoid: bony areas, visible blood vessels, scars and any areas of inflammation (irritation) or infection. Rotate sites with each administration as directed by your doctor or nurse. When using device-assisted infusion: Multiple subcutaneous infusion sites may be used at the same time by a multi-needle set. The amount of product infused into a single site varies and doses over 30 ml may be divided according to your preference. When using manual administration: Cuvitru may be administered using a syringe at a single infusion site. If administration at additional sites is required, a new sterile injection needle should be used. The amount of product infused into a single site varies and doses over 30 ml may be divided according to your preference. Infusion rate: Your doctor will determine the appropriate infusion technique and the infusion rate for you taking into account your individual dose, dosing frequency and product tolerability.
When using device-assisted infusion: The recommended initial infusion rate is 10 ml per hour per infusion site. If well tolerated this may be increased at intervals of at least 10 minutes to 20 ml per hour per site for the initial two infusions. For further infusions, the infusion rate may be increased as tolerated. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, please ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. When using manual administration: Consult your doctor. Start with an infusion speed that does not cause discomfort. At no time should the infusion be painful. The recommended maximum infusion rate is approximately 1- 2 ml per minute. You may find that some infusion sites will tolerate larger volumes of infusion than others.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, please ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Detailed Instructions for use are provided in the section below: Do not use Cuvitru at home until you get instructions and training from your doctor or nurse. Prepare Cuvitru vial(s): 5
3. Prepare the syringe(s):
6
4. Prepare for the infusion: a. When using an infusion pump:
6. Insert and secure the subcutaneous needle set:
7
7. Start the infusion:
Use in children and adolescents The same indications, dose and frequency of infusion as for adults apply for children and adolescents (age 0 to 18). If you use more Cuvitru than you should If you think that you used more Cuvitru than you should, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. If you forget to use Cuvitru Do not infuse a double dose of Cuvitru to make up for a missed dose. If you think that you have missed a dose speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These side effects may include chills, headache, dizziness, fever, vomiting, allergic reactions, feeling sick (nausea), joint pain, low blood pressure and moderate low back pain. Certain side effects, such as headache, chills, or body aches, may be reduced by slowing the infusion rate.
Serious side effects Infusions of medicines like Cuvitru can occasionally result in serious, but rare, allergic reactions. You may experience a sudden fall in blood pressure and, in isolated cases, anaphylactic shock. Doctors are aware of these possible side effects and will monitor you during and after the initial infusions. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:
–
abnormal heart rate, chest pain, blueness of lips or fingers and toes, blurred vision
When using Cuvitru at home, you may perform the infusion in the presence of your caregiver who will help you watch out for allergic reactions, stop the infusion, and get help if necessary. Please also see section 2 of this leaflet about the risk of allergic reactions and using Cuvitru at home. The following side effects are very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
seen with similar medicines The following side effects have been observed with infusion of human normal immunoglobulin given under the skin (subcutaneously). Although these side effects have so far not been seen with Cuvitru, it is possible that someone using Cuvitru may get them.
5.
Cuvitru
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
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Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is cloudy, has particles or changed color. Keep the vials in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze. In case the product is stored in a refrigerator, the unopened vials must be removed from refrigeration and placed at room temperature for a minimum of 90 minutes prior to use. Do not use heating devices including microwaves.
6.
What Cuvitru contains The active substance is human normal immunoglobulin. 1ml of Cuvitru contains 200 mg of human protein of which at least 98% is immunoglobulin G (IgG). The other ingredients (excipients) are glycine and water for injections. What Cuvitru looks like and contents of the pack Cuvitru is a solution for injection in vials of 5, 10, 20, 40 or 50 ml. The solution is clear and colourless or pale-yellow or light-brown. Each vial of 5 ml contains: 1 g of human normal immunoglobulin Each vial of 10 ml contains: 2 g of human normal immunoglobulin Each vial of 20 ml contains: 4 g of human normal immunoglobulin Each vial of 40 ml contains: 8 g of human normal immunoglobulin Each vial of 50 ml contains: 10 g of human normal immunoglobulin Pack sizes: 1, 10 or 20 vial(s) containing 5 ml solution for injection 1, 10, 20 or 30 vial(s) containing 10 ml solution for injection 1, 10, 20 or 30 vial(s) containing 20 ml solution for injection 1, 5, 10 or 20 vial(s) containing 40 ml solution for injection 1 vial containing 50 ml solution for injection Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Baxalta Innovations GmbH A-1221 Vienna Austria Manufacturer Baxalta Belgium Manufacturing SA Boulevard René Branquart 80 7860 Lessines Belgium This leaflet was last revised in February 2024
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Cuvitru 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection comes as injection containing 200mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Cuvitru 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection is human normal immunoglobulin.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Hizentra 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection, Hizentra 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection in pre-filled syringe, Xembify 200 mg/mL solution for subcutaneous injection. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cuvitru 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Indications for subcutaneous administration (SCIg)
Replacement therapy in adults, and children and adolescents (0-18 years) in:
• Primary immunodeficiency (PID) syndromes with impaired antibody production (see section 4.4).
• Secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) in patients who suffer from severe or recurrent infections, ineffective antimicrobial treatment and either proven specific antibody failure (PSAF)* or serum IgG level of <4g/l.
*PSAF = failure to mount at least a 2-fold rise in IgG antibody titre to pneumococcal polysaccharide and polypeptide antigen vaccines.
Replacement therapy should be initiated and monitored under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of immunodeficiency.
Posology
The dose and dose regimen is dependent on the indication.
The product should be administered via the subcutaneous route.
In replacement therapy the dose may need to be individualised for each patient dependent on the pharmacokinetic and clinical response. Dose based on bodyweight may require adjustment in underweight or overweight patients. The following dose regimens are given as a guideline.
Replacement therapy in primary immunodeficiency syndromes (as defined in 4.1)
The dose regimen should achieve a trough level of IgG (measured before the next infusion) of at least 5 to 6 g/l and aim to be within the reference interval of serum IgG for age. A loading dose of at least 0.2 to 0.5 g/kg (1 to 2.5 ml/kg) body weight may be required. This may need to be divided over several days, with a maximal daily dose of 0.1 to 0.15 g/kg. After steady state IgG levels have been attained, maintenance doses are administered at repeated intervals to reach a cumulative monthly dose of the order of 0.3 to 1.0 g/kg (see section 5.2 for details). Each single dose may need to be injected at different anatomic sites.
Trough levels should be measured and assessed in conjunction with the incidence of infection. To reduce the rate of infection, it may be necessary to increase the dose and aim for higher trough levels.
Replacement therapy in secondary immunodeficiencies (as defined in 4.1)
The recommended dose administered at repeated intervals is to reach a cumulative monthly dose to the order of 0.2-0.4 g/kg. Each single dose may need to be injected at different anatomic sites.
IgG trough levels should be measured and assessed in conjunction with the incidence of infection. Dose should be adjusted as necessary to achieve optimal protection against infections, an increase may be necessary in patients with persisting infection; a dose decrease can be considered when the patient remains infection-free.
Paediatric population
The posology in children and adolescents (0-18 years) is not different to that of adults as the posology for each indication is given by body weight and adjusted to the clinical outcome of the above mentioned indications.
No clinical trials have been conducted with Cuvitru in children at age 0-< 2 years, but experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on treatment of children at age 0-< 2 years with Cuvitru are to be expected.
Method of administration
For subcutaneous use only.
Cuvitru should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if particulate matter and/or discoloration is observed.
The infusion must be started immediately upon transfer of Cuvitru into the syringe. The administration is foreseen to take up to two hours. Should an administration shorter than two hours not be possible due to required dose or administration rate of Cuvitru, the required dose is to be portioned and administered at different infusion sites. If Cuvitru remains in siliconized syringes for more than two hours, visible particles may form. See section 4.4 for further details.
Cuvitru must not be diluted.
Subcutaneous infusion for home treatment should be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the guidance of patients for home treatment. Infusion pumps or manual administration using a syringe appropriate for subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulins may be used. The patient or caregiver must be instructed in the use of a syringe driver (device-assisted) or a syringe (manual administration), the infusion techniques, the keeping of treatment diary, recognition of and measures to be taken in case of severe adverse reactions, see section 4.4.
Cuvitru may be injected into sites such as abdomen, thigh, upper arm, and lateral hip.
Adjustment of the infusion rate and infusion volume per site is based on subject tolerability.
Infusion rate
Cuvitru can be infused using:
• an infusion device, or
• by manual administration using a syringe.
The recommended initial infusion rate depends on the individual patient's needs. An increase in the infusion rate of successive infusions may be considered at the discretion of the patient and based on the healthcare professionals' judgement.
Device-assisted infusion:
It is recommended to use an initial administration speed of 10 ml/h/infusion site. If well tolerated (see section 4.4), the rate of administration may be increased at intervals of at least 10 minutes to a maximum of 20 ml/h/infusion site for the initial two infusions. For further infusions, the infusion rate may be increased as tolerated.
More than one pump can be used simultaneously. The amount of product infused into a particular site varies. In infants and children, infusion site may be changed every 5-15 ml. In adults, doses over 30 ml may be divided according to patient preference. There is no limit to the number of infusion sites.
Manual administration infusion:
Cuvitru may be administered using a syringe at a single infusion site. If administration at additional sites is required, a new sterile injection needle should be used.
The proposed maximum infusion rate is approximately 1-2 ml per minute.
The rate of administration should be adjusted for each patient's local tolerance which may depend on the site of each subcutaneous infusion and the amount of the individual patient's subcutaneous tissue at that site.
The amount of product infused into a particular site varies. In infants and children, infusion site may be changed every 5-15 ml. In adults doses over 30 ml may be divided according to patient preference.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 (see section 4.4).
Severe IgA deficiency and a history of hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulin treatment.
Cuvitru must not be given intravascularly or intramuscularly.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
If Cuvitru is accidentally administered into a blood vessel, patients could develop shock.
The recommended infusion rate and administration instructions given in section 4.2 must be closely followed. Patients must be closely monitored and carefully observed for any symptoms throughout the infusion period. If the product remains in a siliconized syringe for more than two hours, visible particles may form.
Certain adverse reactions may occur more frequently in patients who receive human normal immunoglobulin for the first time or, in rare cases, when the human normal immunoglobulin product is switched or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion.
Potential complications can often be avoided by:
• initially injecting the product slowly (see section 4.2)
• ensuring that patients are carefully monitored for any symptoms throughout the infusion period. In particular, patients naive to human normal immunoglobulin, patients switched from an alternative immunoglobulin product or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion should be monitored during the first infusion and for the first hour after the first infusion, in order to detect potential adverse signs.
All other patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration.
In case of adverse reaction, either the rate of administration must be reduced or the infusion stopped. Suspicion of severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic-type reactions requires immediate discontinuation of the injection. The treatment required depends on the nature and severity of the adverse reaction.
In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.
An increase in the number and the severity of adverse events may occur when patients begin manual administration. As a consequence, patients considered for manual administration should be medically stable and adequately trained on the recognition and measures to be taken in case of severe adverse reactions.
Hypersensitivity
True allergic reactions are rare. They can particularly occur in patients with anti-IgA antibodies who should be treated with particular caution. Patients with anti-IgA antibodies, in whom treatment with subcutaneous IgG products remains the only option, should be treated with Cuvitru only under close medical supervision. Cuvitru contains trace amounts of IgA (not more than 280 micrograms/ml).
Rarely, human normal immunoglobulin can induce a fall in blood pressure with anaphylactic reaction, even in patients who had tolerated previous treatment with human normal immunoglobulin.
Thromboembolism
Arterial and venous thromboembolic events including myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been associated with the use of immunoglobulins. Caution should be exercised in patients with pre-existing risk factors for thrombotic events (such as advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and a history of vascular disease or thrombotic episodes, patients with acquired or inherited thrombophilic disorders, patients with prolonged periods of immobilization, severely hypovolemic patients, patients with diseases which increase blood viscosity). Patients should be informed about first symptoms of thromboembolic events including shortness of breath, pain and swelling of a limb, focal neurological deficits and chest pain and should be advised to contact their physician immediately upon onset of symptoms.
Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity.
Renal complications
Severe renal adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving immune globulin treatment, particularly those products containing sucrose (Cuvitru does not contain sucrose). These include acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubular nephropathy and osmotic nephrosis. Factors that increase the risk of renal complications include, but are not limited to pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypovolemia, concomitant nephrotoxic medicinal products, age over 65, sepsis, hyperviscosity and paraproteinemia.
Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome (AMS)
Aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) has been reported to occur in association with immune globulin treatments, including Cuvitru (see section 4.8 Undesirable Effects – Postmarketing). AMS may occur more frequently in female patients.
Discontinuation of Ig treatment may result in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae. The symptoms usually begin within several hours to 2 days following IG treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid studies are frequently positive with pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per mm3, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dl.
Patients should be informed about first symptoms which encompass severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting.
Haemolysis
Cuvitru contains blood group antibodies that may act as haemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells (RBC) with immunoglobulin. This may cause a positive direct antiglobulin reaction (DAT, direct Coombs test) and, rarely, haemolysis. Delayed haemolytic anaemia can develop subsequent to IG therapy due to enhanced RBC sequestration. Acute haemolytic anaemia, consistent with intravascular haemolysis, has been reported.
Interference with serological testing
After injection of immunoglobulin the transitory rise of the various passively transferred antibodies in the patient's blood may result in misleading positive results in serological testing, for example, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, measles, and varicella. Passive transmission of antibodies to erythrocyte antigens, e.g. A, B, D, may interfere with some serological tests for red cell antibodies, for example the direct antiglobulin test (DAT, direct Coombs test).
Administration of Cuvitru can lead to false positive readings in assays that depend on detection of beta-D-glucans for diagnosis of fungal infections; this may persist during the weeks following infusion of the product.
Transmissible agents
Standard measures to prevent infections resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma include selection of donors, screening of individual donations and plasma pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion of effective manufacturing steps for the inactivation/removal of viruses. Despite this, when medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of transmitting infectious agents cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.
The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and for the non-enveloped viruses hepatitis A and parvovirus B19.
There is reassuring clinical experience regarding the lack of hepatitis A or Parvovirus B19 transmission with immunoglobulins and it is also assumed that the antibody content makes an important contribution to the viral safety.
It is strongly recommended that every time that Cuvitru is administered to a patient, the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a link between the patient and the batch of the product.
Paediatric population
The listed warnings and precautions apply both to adults and children.
Live attenuated virus vaccines
Immunoglobulin administration may impair for a period of at least 6 weeks and up to 3 months the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. After administration of Cuvitru an interval of 3 months should elapse before vaccination with live attenuated virus vaccines. In the case of measles, this impairment may persist for up to 1 year. Therefore patients receiving measles vaccine should have their antibody status checked.
Paediatric population
The listed interactions apply both to adults and children.
Physicians must balance the potential risk and only prescribe Cuvitru if clearly needed
Pregnancy
The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials and therefore it should only be given with caution to pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. IG products have been shown to cross the placenta, increasingly during the third trimester. Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy, or on the foetus and the neonate are to be expected.
Breast-feeding
Immunoglobulins are excreted into the milk and may contribute to protecting the neonate from pathogens which have a mucosal portal of entry.
Fertility
Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on fertility are to be expected.
The ability to drive and operate machines may be impaired by some adverse reactions associated with Cuvitru. Patients who experience adverse reactions during treatment should wait for these to resolve before driving or operating machines.
Summary of the safety profile
Adverse reactions such as chills, headache, dizziness, fever, vomiting, allergic reactions, nausea, arthralgia, low blood pressure and moderate low back pain may occur occasionally.
Rarely human normal immunoglobulins may cause a sudden fall in blood pressure and, in isolated cases, anaphylactic shock, even when the patient has shown no hypersensitivity to previous administration.
Local reactions at infusion site: swelling, soreness, redness, induration, local heat, local pain, itching, bruising and rash, may frequently occur.
For safety information with respect to transmissible agents, see section 4.4.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The safety of Cuvitru administered subcutaneously was evaluated in two prospective, open-label, non-controlled, multi-centre studies in 122 subjects with primary immune deficiency (PID).
The majority (98.8%) of local adverse reactions (ARs) were mild in intensity. One subject discontinued treatment due to a local AR (pain). 112 out of 122 subjects treated with Cuvitru completed a study.
The table presented below is according to the MedDRA system organ classification (SOC and Preferred Term Level). Frequencies have been evaluated according to the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 1: Frequency of Adverse Reactions (ADRs) in clinical studies with Cuvitru
Table 1
Frequency of Adverse Reactions (ADRs) in clinical studies with CUVITRU
MedDRA
System Organ Class (SOC)
Adverse reaction
Frequencyper subjecta
Frequencyper infusionb
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Headache
Very Common
Common
Dizziness
Common
Uncommon
Burning sensation
Uncommon
Rare
Migraine
Common
Rare
Somnolence
Common
Rare
VASCULAR DISORDERS
Hypotension
Common
Rare
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Diarrhoea
Very Common
Common
Nausea
Very Common
Uncommon
Abdominal pain lower
Uncommon
Rare
Abdominal pain
Common
Uncommon
SKIN AND SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS
Pruritus
Common
Rare
Urticaria
Common
Rare
MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS
Myalgia
Common
Uncommon
GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS
Local reaction
Very Common
Common
• Infusion site erythema (including Injection site erythema)
Very Common
Common
• Injection site pain (including Infusion site discomfort and Infusion site pain)
Very Common
Common
• Infusion site swelling
Common
Uncommon
• Injection site pruritus (including Infusion site pruritus)
Common
Uncommon
• Infusion site urticaria
Common
Uncommon
• Infusion site bruising
Common
Rare
• Infusion site oedema
Uncommon
Rare
Fatigue
Very Common
Uncommon
Pain
Common
Rare
INVESTIGATIONS
Anti-GAD antibody positive
Uncommon
Rare
Coombs direct test positive
Uncommon
Rare
a The frequency per subject is calculated using the number of subjects associated with all AEs irrespective of relatedness to Cuvitru.
b The frequency per infusion is calculated using the number of infusions associated with all AEs irrespective of relatedness to Cuvitru.
Table 2: Post-Marketing Adverse Reactions (ARs)
Table 2
Post-Marketing Adverse Reactions (ARs)
MedDRA
System Organ Class (SOC)
Adverse reaction
Frequency
Infections and infestations
Meningitis aseptic
Not known
The following additional ADRs have been identified and reported during the post-marketing use of another subcutaneous immune globulin product: paraesthesia, tremor, tachycardia, dyspnoea, laryngospasm and chest discomfort.
Paediatric population
The safety profile in the paediatric population was similar to that in adult subjects.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Consequences of an overdose are not known.
Ask anything about Cuvitru 200 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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