Cuvitru

Generic name: Immune Globulin Injection (subcutaneous) [ i-MYUN-GLOB-yoo-lin ]
Brand names: Cuvitru, Hizentra, Vivaglobin
Drug class: Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2024.

Uses of Cuvitru:

• It is used to stop or lower the harshness of other infections in people with a weak immune system.
• It is used treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Cuvitru?

• If you are allergic to Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)); any part of Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have IgA deficiency.
• If you have too much proline in your blood (hyperprolinemia).
• If you have too much fluid in the body or have been told to watch how much fluid you drink.
• If you have low platelet levels.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Cuvitru?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor. Some products have latex.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)).
• This medicine is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This medicine is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
• Some products have maltose in them, which may affect certain glucose tests. False results of glucose tests may cause problems when treating high or low blood sugar. This may lead to long-lasting effects or death. Talk with the doctor about which blood sugar tests are best to use.
• If you are 65 or older, use Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Cuvitru) best taken?

Use Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion under the skin over a period of time.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Do not shake the solution.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• If stored in a refrigerator, let Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) come to room temperature before using it. Do not heat Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)).
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• Do not mix with any other liquid drugs.
• Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, or scarred.
• Move the site where you give Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) as you were told by the doctor.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

Related/similar drugs

Hizentra, Privigen, immune globulin intravenous, Gamunex-C, Gammagard Liquid, Octagam

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Change in color of skin to a bluish color like on the lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes.
• Seizures.
• Bloating.
• Feeling confused.
• Swelling.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Mood changes.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Change in speech.
• Change in eyesight.
• Shakiness.
• Sweating a lot.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Lung problems have happened with Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)). Call your doctor right away if you have lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse.
• This medicine may raise the chance of a very bad brain problem called aseptic meningitis. Call your doctor right away if you have a headache, fever, chills, very upset stomach or throwing up, stiff neck, rash, bright lights bother your eyes, feeling sleepy, or feeling confused.

What are some other side effects of Cuvitru?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)) is given.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Back pain.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Flushing.
• Cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Cuvitru?

• Follow how to store closely. Read the package insert that comes with Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)). If you have questions about how to store Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)), talk with your pharmacist.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Cuvitru (immune globulin injection (subcutaneous)), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• How is Cuvitru administered?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer