Hyalase (Hyaluronidase)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
hyaluronidase
Drug Class
enzyme
Used For
aid in medical procedures to help injected substances spread and absorb rapidly
How Taken
injection into muscle or under the skin by healthcare professional

What Is Hyalase Used For?

Hyalase contains hyaluronidase, an enzyme that makes tissue between cells more permeable. This allows injected substances to be rapidly dispersed and absorbed throughout your body.

Primary Uses

Hyalase is used as an aid during subcutaneous injection of saline or other solutions, with anesthetic agents during childbirth, in prevention of bleeding after childbirth, in local anesthesia involving the eye, in local anesthesia for fractures, and during administration of substances used while taking X-rays.

How It Works

Hyalase is an enzyme that acts to make the tissue between cells more permeable, allowing injected substances to be rapidly dispersed and absorbed.

Good to know: There is no evidence that Hyalase is addictive.

How to Take Hyalase

Hyalase should only be administered by trained professionals in a hospital or clinic environment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your specific medical situation.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive based on the medical situation for which Hyalase has been prescribed. It is given as an injection either into a muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous). For subcutaneous infusion, the injection is injected into the infusion tubing.

Important: Do not self-administer Hyalase. It must be given by trained healthcare professionals.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Injection site swelling
  • Local irritation at injection site
  • Infection at injection site
  • Bleeding at injection site
  • Bruising at injection site
  • Blurred or decreased vision (when used in eye surgery)
  • Restricted eye movements (when used in eye surgery)
  • Swelling or fluid in the eye (when used in eye surgery)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions: rash, itching, hives on the skin
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing

Important Warnings

Before receiving Hyalase, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.

Who Should Not Take Hyalase

Do not use Hyalase if you are allergic to hyaluronidase or any of the ingredients. You should not receive Hyalase to reduce the swelling of bites or stings or at sites where infection or cancer is present.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions such as being allergic to any other medicines or any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes, or if you take any medicines for any other condition.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Like most medicines, Hyalase is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor or pharmacist will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Hyalase during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Hyalase and affect how it works. Hyalase may enhance the adverse events associated with coadministered medicines.

  • Adrenaline (used for treatment of serious shock or allergic reaction)
  • Furosemide (used for treatment of high blood pressure and edema)
  • Heparin (used to thin your blood)
  • Phenytoin (used for seizures)

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious about activities requiring alertness after receiving Hyalase, and discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider.

Alcohol

Using alcohol with certain medicines may cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with alcohol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Hyalase affects you. The effects of this medicine on a person’s ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

Storage

Hyalase will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward by healthcare professionals. It is kept where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Overdose Information

As Hyalase is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you experience any side effects after being given Hyalase or if you think that you have been given too much, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no evidence that Hyalase is addictive.

Hyalase is given as an injection either into a muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous) by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic environment.

Like most medicines, Hyalase is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while receiving Hyalase. For serious allergic reactions like rash, swelling, or breathing problems, call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department.

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Hyalase affects you. The effects on driving ability were not specifically assessed.

Hyalase should not be used with adrenaline, furosemide, heparin, or phenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Hyalase. If you plan to have surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are receiving Hyalase.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.