REAL PATIENT EXPERIENCES
Clinical preferences
The following patient experiences are based on individual accounts. Results may vary.
- Diagnosed with CIDP in 2012
- Started Hizentra in 2018
History with CIDP:
- Before his CIDP diagnosis, Appolos experienced significant weakness and pain
- He was initially treated with IVIg but experienced disruptive systemic AEs
- He also became frustrated when infusion times reached 8 hours
Appolos’ experience with Hizentra:
- Appolos’ doctor moved him to Hizentra to improve his tolerability while continuing to protect him from relapse
- On Hizentra, Appolos experienced fewer systemic AEs
- With the tolerability and flexibility of self-administration, Appolos has been able to exercise again
Dose: 20 g/100 mL
Time per infusion: ~1-2 hours
Infusion sites: 4
Infusion volume: 25 mL per site
Individual example only; please see Prescribing Information for dosing details.
Since taking Hizentra, I experience fewer systemic side effects, and I continue to have protection from relapse.”
– Appolos
Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring LLC for their time and/or expenses.
- Diagnosed with CIDP in 2012
- Started Hizentra in 2018
History with CIDP:
- Patti consistently had problems with venous access
- Sometimes, it would take 5 to 7 attempts before an IV could be started
- She also experienced systemic side effects like fatigue
Patti’s experience with Hizentra:
- On Hizentra, Patti achieved faster and more comfortable administration
- With subcutaneous administration, Patti was able to avoid receiving a port, which she felt would be a constant reminder of her condition
Dose: 28 g/140 mL
Time per infusion: ~1-2 hours
Infusion sites: 4
Infusion volume: 35 mL per site
Individual example only; please see Prescribing Information for dosing details.
Hizentra has made a difference for me. It has given me the flexibility to know that I can take care of myself. That was really huge for me.”
– Patti
Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring LLC for their time and/or expenses.
- Diagnosed with CIDP in 2015
- Started Hizentra in 2019
History with CIDP:
- Arthur experienced Ig-level ups and downs between IVIg infusions
- Fatigue and AEs from IVIg prevented him from accomplishing daily tasks
Arthur’s experience with Hizentra:
- He has consistent levels of strength and energy each day
- He continues to have the mobility he needs to travel and take walks with his wife
Dose: 44 g/220 mL
Time per infusion: ~1-2 hours
Infusion sites: 5
Infusion volume: 44 mL per site
Individual example only; please see Prescribing Information for dosing details.
Since self-infusing with Hizentra, I’m able to travel with my wife. We’re able to continue to do the smaller things, like take walks in the park.”
– Arthur
Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring LLC for their time and/or expenses.
- Diagnosed with CIDP in 2016
- Started Hizentra in 2018
History with CIDP:
- Stephanie had limited physical ability when first diagnosed with CIDP
- IVIg improved her mobility, but she was concerned about side effects, Ig ups and downs, and potential end-of-cycle symptom return
Stephanie’s experience with Hizentra:
- Stephanie continues to have the mobility needed for activities with her family
- She now has steadier Ig levels and no longer experiences the complications of ups and downs
Dose: 28 g/140 mL
Time per infusion: ~2 hours
Infusion sites: 4
Infusion volume: 35 mL per site
Individual example only; please see Prescribing Information for dosing details.
I started playing golf again about 2 years ago. I never thought I was going to be able to hang onto a golf club without flinging it into the fairway. I have 2 beautiful grandchildren that I can run around with and pick up and play with, which is a blessing.”
– Stephanie
Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring LLC for their time and/or expenses.
Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; CIDP, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; Ig, immunoglobulin; IV, intravenous; IVIg, intravenous immunoglobulin.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including Hizentra. Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors.
For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer Hizentra at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity.
Hizentra is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to human immune globulin (Ig) or components of Hizentra (eg, polysorbate 80), as well as in patients with immunoglobulin A deficiency with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity. Because Hizentra contains L-proline as stabilizer, use in patients with hyperprolinemia is contraindicated.
IgA-deficient patients with anti-IgA antibodies are at greater risk of severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. Thrombosis may occur following treatment with Ig products, including Hizentra.
Monitor patients for aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS), which may occur following treatment with Ig products, including Hizentra. In patients at risk of acute renal failure, monitor renal function, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urine output. In addition, monitor patients for clinical signs of hemolysis or pulmonary adverse reactions (eg, transfusion-related acute lung injury [TRALI]).
Hizentra is derived from human blood. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent and its variant (vCJD), cannot be completely eliminated.
The most common adverse reactions (observed in ≥5% of study subjects) were local infusion-site reactions, as well as headache, diarrhea, fatigue, back pain, nausea, extremity pain, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, pruritus, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, migraine, arthralgia, pain, fall, and nasopharyngitis.
The passive transfer of antibodies can interfere with response to live virus vaccines and lead to misinterpretation of serologic test results.
Indications
Hizentra®, Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Liquid, is indicated for:
- Treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older.
- Maintenance therapy in adults with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) to prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment.
- Limitation of Use: Maintenance therapy in CIDP has been systematically studied for 6 months and for a further 12 months in a follow-up study. Continued maintenance beyond these periods should be individualized based on patient response and need for continued therapy.
For subcutaneous infusion only.
Please see full Prescribing Information for Hizentra including boxed warning.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact the CSL Behring Pharmacovigilance Department at 1-866-915-6958 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Hizentra is manufactured by CSL Behring AG and distributed by CSL Behring LLC.
Hizentra® is a registered trademark of CSL Behring AG.
Hizentra Connect℠ is a service mark of CSL Behring LLC.