Cuvitru Side Effects

Generic name: immune globulin subcutaneous

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 6, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cuvitru Side Effects associated with immune globulin subcutaneous. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cuvitru.

Applies to immune globulin subcutaneous: subcutaneous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Subcutaneous route (solution)

Warning: Thrombosis. Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including immune globulin-hipp.

Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling central vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors.For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer immune globulin-hipp at the minimum dose and infusion rates practicable.

Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk of hyperviscosity.

Serious side effects of Cuvitru

Along with its needed effects, immune globulin subcutaneous (the active ingredient contained in Cuvitru) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking immune globulin subcutaneous:

More common side effects

• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• facial swelling
• fever
• headache
• nausea
• noisy breathing
• skin rash
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• agitation
• anxiety
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest discomfort or pain
• collection of blood under the skin
• confusion
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• decreased urine output
• deep, dark purple bruise
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficult, fast, noisy breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache, severe and throbbing
• high fever
• hives or welts, itching
• hostility
• increased sweating
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• irritability
• joint or muscle pain
• lightheadedness or fainting
• loss of consciousness
• muscle twitching
• nervousness
• pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• pain, redness, or swelling of the skin
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• seizures
• severe sleepiness
• slow heartbeat
• slurred speech
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• stiff neck or back
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• swelling of the legs, ankles, or hands
• swollen glands
• tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area
• trouble breathing
• unexplained bleeding or bruising
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
• upper stomach pain
• vision changes

Other side effects of Cuvitru

Some side effects of immune globulin subcutaneous may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• skin abrasion

Incidence not known

• back pain
• difficulty in moving
• feeling of warmth
• increased sweating
• loss or thinning of hair
• muscle cramping
• pain in the arms or legs
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• skin discoloration
• stomach distension
• swollen joints

For healthcare professionals

Applies to immune globulin subcutaneous: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were local reactions, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, back pain, nausea, pain in extremity, and cough.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Local reactions (49%), infusion site erythema, injection site pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site swelling, injection site bruising
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site edema
• Postmarketing reports: Infusion site ulcer^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (29.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Migraine, dizziness, somnolence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Burning sensation
• Postmarketing reports: Tremor, paresthesia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (18.8%), nausea (12.2%), vomiting, abdominal pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain upper, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain lower^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Erythema (10.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic-anaphylactic reactions (e.g. swollen face or tongue and pharyngeal edema, pyrexia, chills, dizziness, hypertension or changes in blood pressure, malaise)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hot flush
• Postmarketing reports: Chest discomfort (including chest pain), tachycardia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (12.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in extremity, pain, contusion, hematoma
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anti-GAD antibody positive
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hematoma^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough (10.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Nasopharyngitis
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea, laryngospasm^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Pain in extremity
• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, chills, myalgia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Coombs direct test positive^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How is Cuvitru administered?

Further information

Cuvitru side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer