HyQvia is a liquid medicine that is given under the skin (subcutaneously) to treat primary immunodeficiency (PI) in people 2 years and older.
There are two different ways to infuse HyQvia subcutaneously. You can infuse with a peristaltic pump, or you can infuse with a syringe driver pump. You’ll talk with your doctor about the best way for you to infuse, and the specialty pharmacy and nurse who trains you can talk you through any specific questions you may have, including questions about the pump you’ll be using.
This means that you’ll start slowly and gradually build up to your prescribed dose since it’s new to your body. Your ramp-up schedule will be given to you by your doctor and will, over time, get you to your full prescribed dose. You’ll eventually shift from 1 infusion a week to 1 infusion every 3 or 4 weeks, depending on the frequency your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will decide if any dose adjustments need to be made, as necessary, based on your clinical response.
Ramp-up example for 30-gram dose of HyQvia with a 4-week treatment interval*
The first dose of HyQvia is given 1 week after the last infusion of the patient’s previous IG treatment.
Knowing what to expect will hopefully make starting your infusions less stressful. Everyone’s infusion experience is different. However, it’s not uncommon to experience a temporary, soft swelling at the infusion site. You may hear someone refer to this as a “pancake” because that’s what it looks like. It happens because of the volume of fluid infused and may last anywhere from 1 to 3 days after your infusion. For some, it’s gone the next day.
Beginning of infusion
Patient weight: 168 lb Volume: 500 mL
End of infusion
Results in diffuse, pancake-like swelling
24 hours after infusion
Infusion site swelling generally resolved within 1 to 3 days
Before the infusion:
During the infusion:
After the infusion:
INFUSING WITH PERISTALTIC PUMP
Peristaltic pumps
This pump helps deliver your prescribed dose, at an infusion rate you and your doctor are comfortable with.
Want to see for yourself? Watch the video. Would you rather read more? Get the brochure.
INFUSING WITH SYRINGE DRIVER PUMP
Syringe Driver Pump
Download the brochure to learn more.