HYALURONIDASE

Generic Name: hyaluronidase (high-uhl-yur-AHN-ih-dase)

Brand Name: Examples include Amphadase and Vitrase

Description: Hyaluronidase is an enzyme which reduces the viscosity of ground substance, thus making the tissues more permeable to injected fluids. It works by causing rapid spreading of injected fluid into the body, which increases the absorption of injected fluids.

Uses

Increasing the absorption of other injected medicines or fluids.

How to use hyaluronidase

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Warnings

Important safety information:

Hyaluronidase should not be used to enhance absorption of dopamine or alpha agonist medicines (eg, clonidine) or to reduce the swelling of bites or stings.
LAB TESTS may be required to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if hyaluronidase can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking hyaluronidase, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using hyaluronidase during pregnancy. Hyaluronidase does not cause problems during labor, but it is unknown if it can cause harm to the fetus during labor. Use caution if it is necessary to give hyaluronidase during labor. It is unknown if hyaluronidase is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using hyaluronidase, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

Precautions

Precautions

Inform your doctor.
- Allergy to the medication or any allergies.
- Medical History of a current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Interactions:

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

Products that may interact with this medication include:
- Local anesthetics (eg, lidocaine), Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), certain hormones (eg, corticotropin, estrogens), cortisone, or salicylates (eg, aspirin), Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), furosemide, or phenytoin.

Overdose & Brands

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms may include: chills; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; hives; nausea; rash; redness; swelling; vomiting.

Storage: Hyaluronidase is usually handled and stored by a health care provider.