DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Hyaluronidase Injection (high-uhl-yur-AHN-ih-dase)
Brand Name: Examples include Amphadase and Vitrase

Amphadase is used for:

Increasing the absorption of other injected medicines or fluids.

Amphadase is a protein enzyme. It works by causing rapid spreading of injected fluid into the body, which increases the absorption of injected fluids.

Do NOT use Amphadase if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amphadase

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Amphadase :

Some medical conditions may interact with Amphadase . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a skin infection or skin cancer

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amphadase . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Local anesthetics (eg, lidocaine) because risk of side effects of Amphadase may be increased
• Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), certain hormones (eg, corticotropin, estrogens), cortisone, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the effectiveness of Amphadase may be decreased
• Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), furosemide, or phenytoin because effectiveness may be decreased by Amphadase

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amphadase may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Amphadase :

Use Amphadase as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• A skin test will be done before the first dose to see if you are allergic to Amphadase .
• Amphadase should not be applied directly in the eye, injected into a vein, or injected into skin that is infected, red, swollen, or irritated.
• If you miss a dose of Amphadase , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amphadase .

Important safety information:

• Amphadase should not be used to enhance absorption of dopamine or alpha agonist medicines (eg, clonidine) or to reduce the swelling of bites or stings.
• LAB TESTS may be required to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if Amphadase can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Amphadase , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Amphadase during pregnancy. Amphadase does not cause problems during labor, but it is unknown if it can cause harm to the fetus during labor. Use caution if it is necessary to give Amphadase during labor. It is unknown if Amphadase is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Amphadase , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Amphadase :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Redness at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chills; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; hives; nausea; rash; redness; swelling; vomiting.

Proper storage of Amphadase :

Amphadase is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Amphadase at home, store Amphadase as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Amphadase out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Amphadase , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Amphadase is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Amphadase . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.