Cuvitru (Human Immunoglobulin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cuvitru Used For?
Cuvitru is an immunoglobulin solution that contains human antibodies to help boost your immune system when your body doesn’t produce enough antibodies naturally.
Primary Uses
Cuvitru is used in patients who do not have enough antibodies in their blood. It serves as antibody replacement therapy to raise antibody levels in your blood to normal levels.
How It Works
Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are naturally found in healthy people’s blood and are part of the immune system – your body’s natural defenses. They help your body fight infections. If you don’t have enough antibodies, you may not be able to fight off infections effectively.
Good to know: Cuvitru is made from human blood plasma with stringent safety measures including careful donor selection, testing, and viral inactivation processes to minimize infection risk.
How to Take Cuvitru
Cuvitru must be infused under the skin (subcutaneously) using either an infusion pump or manual administration with a syringe. Your doctor will determine the appropriate method and rate for you.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose and schedule will be established by your doctor based on your individual needs and response to treatment. Ensure you are adequately hydrated before administration. Your doctor will start treatment slowly and monitor you during first infusions. Once trained, you may be able to administer at home. For manual administration, the recommended infusion rate is approximately 1-2 mL per minute. Doses over 30 mL may be divided according to your preference.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Do not infuse a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you think you have missed a dose, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Important: Never double dose to make up for missed doses. Always wash your hands and use sterile technique during preparation and injection.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- Swelling, pain, redness or itching at injection site
- Headache/migraine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain (chest, back, joints, arms, legs)
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache or bloating
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
- Infusion site ulcer
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Reduced urination
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Inability to stand bright light
- Painful eye movements
- Pain/tenderness, swelling/discoloration of arm or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness on one side of body
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Allergic or anaphylactic reaction (swelling of lips, tongue, eyes, loss of consciousness, hives, difficulty breathing)
- Non-bacterial infection of tissues covering brain and spinal cord (aseptic meningitis)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions that may affect whether Cuvitru is right for you.
Who Should Not Take Cuvitru
Do not use Cuvitru if you have severe immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with a history of hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulin treatment, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Cuvitru or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have antibodies against immunoglobulin A in your blood (may occur with IgA deficiency), allergies to other medicines or previous allergic reactions to injections, pre-existing factors for blood clots or kidney complications, or any other medical problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed.
Allergic Reactions: Call your doctor immediately if you experience allergic symptoms like skin rash, itching, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, hives, faintness, chills, flushing, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swollen face.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cuvitru and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Travel Planning: Talk to your healthcare provider before travelling and obtain a written statement explaining why you need this medicine and injecting devices, as you may not be allowed to bring them into other countries without proper documentation.
- Recent vaccinations may be affected
- Other medicines, vitamins, or supplements bought without prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness until you know how Cuvitru affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cuvitru affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store Cuvitru in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Cuvitru contains no preservatives, so discard any medicine left in vials at the end of your infusion.
Overdose Information
The effects of a Cuvitru overdose are not known. If you suspect an overdose, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (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
The source material doesn’t specify how long Cuvitru takes to work. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment and may adjust the dose based on how you respond.
Yes, you may be allowed to use Cuvitru at home once you have received the first few infusions under medical supervision and you (and/or your guardian) have been adequately trained by your healthcare team.
For minor side effects like headache, chills, or body aches, slowing the infusion rate may help. However, call your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or any allergic reactions.
Ensure you are adequately hydrated before administration. Allow vials to reach room temperature (may take up to 90 minutes). Always wash your hands and use sterile technique during preparation.
Yes, but plan ahead. Bring enough medicine for your treatment during travel time and obtain a written statement from your physician explaining why you need this medicine and injecting devices, as you may not be allowed to bring them into other countries without proper documentation.
Do not infuse a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you think you have missed a dose, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Cuvitru undergoes stringent safety measures including careful selection of blood/plasma donors, testing each donation for virus indicators, and a three-step viral inactivation/reduction process during manufacturing to minimize the risk of infection transmission.
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.