Panzyga
Panzyga is an immunoglobulin infusion. It's given through the veins (intravenous or IV), so it's often referred to as IVIG. Panzyga is used to treat certain immune-related conditions, such as primary immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The dose depends on your weight and the immune condition you're getting treated for. A common side effect is headache. But this medication can also raise your risk of more serious problems, like blood clots and kidney problems.
What is Panzyga?
What is Panzyga used for?
- Primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in people ages 2 years and older
- Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults (to control and prevent bleeding)
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults (to improve muscle function)
How Panzyga works
Panzyga is a type of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). It contains immunoglobulin G (IgG), a kind of antibody that your immune system makes. It helps protect you from things that make you sick, like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
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People with primary immunodeficiency (PI) don't have enough IgG in their body. This raises their risk of serious infections. Panzyga is used to give them the IgG they're missing so they're less likely to get sick.
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People with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) have immune systems that are too active. In ITP, the immune system attacks the platelets, which normally help stop bleeding. In CIDP, the immune system attacks the nerves that control muscles by mistake. It's not fully understood how Panzyga works to treat these medical conditions. But it's thought to work by calming the immune system.
Drug facts
Side effects of Panzyga
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Primary humoral immunodeficiency:
- Headache (22%)
- Stomach pain (14%)
- Fever (14%)
- Nausea (10%)
- Sinus infection or sinus inflammation (8%)
- Tiredness (6%)
- Bronchitis (6%)
Chronic immune thrombocytopenia:
- Headache (50%)
- Fever (23%)
- Nausea (18%)
- Vomiting (10%)
- Dizziness (10%)
- Anemia (10%)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy:
- Headache (15%)
- Fever (14%)
- Skin irritation (10%)
- Higher blood pressure (8%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash
- Injection site reaction, such as flushing or chills
Panzyga serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Kidney problems: tiredness, trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, muscle cramps, not urinating as much as usual, foamy urine, bloody urine
- Blood clots: cough; trouble breathing; chest pain; pain in the arms or shoulders; pain in the neck or jaw; redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling in the leg; trouble speaking; numbness on one side of the body; confusion
- Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the throat, fast heartbeat, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling in the face or tongue
- Swelling and inflammation in the brain: severe headache, stiff neck, sleepiness, fever, nausea, vomiting, eye pain when you move your eye, eye that's sensitive to light
- Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count): tiredness, dizziness, weakness, high heart rate, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine
- Lung problem called TRALI: trouble breathing, wheezing or rattling while breathing, chest pain, headaches, confusion, fever
Pros and cons of Panzyga
Pros
- Okay for children 2 years and older with PI to take
- Might be able to get the infusion at home with the help of a nurse (if your prescriber approves)
Cons
- Needs to be given as an IV infusion by a trained healthcare professional
- Has a lot of potential risks, such as kidney and lung problems
Pharmacist tips for Panzyga
- Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your prescriber and get your Panzyga infusions. This will help you remember when you need to go so you don't miss any doses. You can also use this time to talk to your prescriber about how well Panzyga is working for you.
- Make sure to get any blood tests done as your prescriber tells you to while taking Panzyga. This helps your prescriber check if the medication is safe for you and if your dose needs to be changed.
- Plan for your appointment to take a few hours. During the visit, you might have to fill out some paperwork before getting your Panzyga infusion. It's a good idea to bring something to do, like a book to read, to pass the time.
- Panzyga can raise your risk of blood clots. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a blood clot. Watch for a cough, trouble breathing, chest pain, headache, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of your body.
- Panzyga can raise your risk of kidney problems. Call your care team right away if feel tired, have trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, a low appetite, or muscle cramps. Also tell them if you're urinating less than usual or if your urine looks foamy or bloody. These can be signs of kidney problems that need to get checked out.
- Before getting any vaccines, let the healthcare professional know that you're taking Panzyga or have recently had a Panzyga infusion. This medication can affect how your body responds to live vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine). You might need to wait a few months before you can get the vaccine. This helps make sure there's no interference between the medication and the vaccine.
- For people with PI: Tell your healthcare team right away if you've been around someone with measles or if you're traveling to places where measles is common. You might need extra doses or higher doses of Panzyga. This can help prevent infection or protect you against serious illness.
- Store Panzyga in the refrigerator for up to 3 years from the date of manufacturer. Don't let the medication freeze because this can damage it. You can also place Panzyga at room temperature for up to 1 year.
More on Panzyga tips
Common questions about Panzyga
Panzyga is a type of IVIG. "IV" means intravenous, which is when a medication is given as an injection through a vein. "IG" stands for immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is a kind of antibody made by your immune system. So, IVIG is an infusion of IgG given through the vein. IVIGs like Panzyga help lower the risk of infections in people with primary immunodeficiency. IVIGs can also help calm the immune system in people with certain autoimmune conditions.
No, Panzyga isn't known to cause weight gain. But it's important to know that it can sometimes cause kidney problems, and sudden weight gain can be a sign of that. Let your prescriber know if you notice you've gained weight since starting Panzyga. They can help figure out what's causing it.
How long a Panzyga infusion takes can be different for each person. It depends on how fast the infusion is given. It might also depend on if you have any side effects during the infusion. This is because the nurse might need to slow down the infusion or stop it. Your prescriber will determine the safest speed for the infusion based on how you respond to the medication. Talk to your care team to find out how long your Panzyga infusion might take and what to expect.
How often you need Panzyga depends on what condition you're taking it for. In general, it's given every 3 to 4 weeks. The exception is for treating chronic ITP, where it's only given for a total of 2 days. Your prescriber will let you know how often you'll need to receive Panzyga.
Panzyga is manufactured by Octapharma Inc.
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Risks and warnings for Panzyga
Panzyga can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Kidney problems
- Risk factors: Age greater than 65 years | Kidney problems | Type 2 diabetes | Sepsis | Having high amounts of certain proteins in the blood (paraproteinemia) | Not having enough fluids in the body (dehydration) | Taking medications that can cause kidney problems
Panzyga can cause serious and life-threatening kidney problems. The risk is higher for some people, like older adults and people who are dehydrated.
Your prescriber will order labs to check your kidneys before you start Panzyga and during treatment. If your kidneys get worse, your prescriber might slow down or stop your infusion.
Call your prescriber if you notice any signs of kidney problems while taking Panzyga. Watch for tiredness, trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
Blood clots
- Risk factors: Older age | Not moving much or on bed rest | History of blood clots | Having other medical conditions that raise your risk of clots | Taking medications that contain estrogen | Central IV lines | High plasma viscosity (having thick plasma) | At risk for heart problems
Panzyga can raise your risk of getting a blood clot, especially if you already have a higher change of clots. Panzyga can your blood thicker. This can make it harder for blood to flow through your body.
Your prescriber will monitor you closely while you're taking Panzyga. They might change your dose or treatment plan to help keep you safe.
Know the signs of a blood clot, which can be different depending on where the clot is. Look out for chest pain; trouble breathing; swelling or warmth in the legs; and weakness of the face, legs, or arms. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms because it's a medical emergency.
Serious allergic reactions
Serious allergic reactions to Panzyga are possible. They can include life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical help right away if you feel dizzy; have trouble breathing; or have swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or around your eyes. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction.
High protein levels and low sodium levels
Some people who get Panzyga infusions can have serious side effects. This includes high protein levels and low sodium levels in the blood. Your prescriber will check your labs to assess your risk for these problems. They'll adjust your Panzyga dose to keep you safe if needed.
Swelling in the brain
- Risk factors: Doses of 2 grams/kg or higher | Receiving Panzyga too quickly
Although it's rare, Panzyga can cause swelling and inflammation in the brain. This is called aseptic meningitis. Symptoms can start several hours to 2 days after getting a Panzyga infusion. And they usually go away within several days after stopping this medication.
Talk to your prescriber right away if you have a severe headache, stiff neck, fever, or nausea, or if you feel sleepy. Also tell them if you have eye pain when you move your eye around or if your eyes are sensitive to light. Your prescriber should check these symptoms to help manage any problems.
Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Risk factors: Doses of 2 grams/kg or higher | Non-O blood group | History of anemia
Panzyga can cause a problem called hemolytic anemia. This happens when your red blood cells break down too fast, causing a low red blood cell count. Your prescriber might check your blood cell counts before each infusion and a few days after. Talk to your healthcare team if you feel very tired, dizzy, or weak. These could be signs of anemia.
Serious lung problem
Some people who get IVIG treatments like Panzyga can have transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This problem happens when fluid gets backed up in the lungs after getting Panzyga. Signs and symptoms usually show up within 1 to 6 hours after you receive Panzyga. Tell your care team right away if you have serious breathing problems or a fever after your infusion.
Risk of infection
Because Panzyga is made from human blood products, there's a small risk it could carry viruses or germs that can make you sick. But the risk is low since blood donors are carefully screened. The medication is also made following high safety standards to make sure germs are killed or removed.
Still, be aware of signs of infection. Tell your prescriber right away if you start feeling sick, confused, or anxious. Also let them know if you have trouble maintaining your balance. Your prescriber can help prevent any infections from getting more serious if they're caught early.
Panzyga dosage
Typical dosage for Panzyga
Your dose depends on your body weight, IgG levels, and your response to the medication.
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Primary immunodeficiency (PI)
- Adults and children ages 2 years and older: The typical dose is 300 mg/kg to 600 mg/kg infused into the veins (IV) once every 3 to 4 weeks.
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Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Adults: The typical dose is 1 gram/kg infused IV once daily for 2 days in a row.
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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Adults: Typically, you'll start with a loading dose of 1 gram/kg infused IV once daily for 2 days in a row. Then, you'll continue with a maintenance dose of 1 gram/kg to 2 gram/kg IV given over 2 days in a row. The maintenance dose is given every 3 weeks.
Panzyga contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Panzyga will not be safe for you to take.
- Severe allergy to human immune globulin
- Low IgA levels (immunoglobulin A deficiency) with antibodies against IgA and a history of allergic reaction
What are alternatives to Panzyga?
Conditions where your immune system is missing or not working like it should: