Transitioning to cutaquig
SCIg therapy decision making and preparation vs. other Ig treatment options

Home / Benefits of Transitioning to cutaquig®

You have choices for treating your primary immunodeficiency (PI).1 Foremost, is deciding which route of administration to take: subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy (SCIg), infusing PI medication under the skin, or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg), infusing into a vein. This decision is usually based on a number of factors including the clinical characteristics of each patient, the patient’s preferences for therapy, the appropriate site of care (home, hospital, infusion center), and sometimes, even insurance coverage.2

These patient-specific and lifestyle considerations may point you in one direction or the other, which you should thoroughly discuss with your healthcare provider. Because it has been demonstrated to be safe and effective,3,4 many patients today are opting for the freedom, flexibility, and convenience of SCIg.2,5

Choosing SCIg as Your Treatment for PI

SCIg offers PI patients many key benefits:

  • Once you have received training from a healthcare professional1, SCIg can be self–infused by patients, parents and caregivers at home, at school, at work, while out and about, or even while traveling. Unlike with IVIg, you can free yourself from clinical appointments for administration – and with missing work or school to attend them.2,5
  • SCIg offers more flexibility in individual regimen design – where, how often, how much and how long to infuse, among other options, versus a set regimen for IVIg. For example, you may choose to infuse SCIg weekly, every other week, or even daily, versus maintaining a defined 3–4 week cycle for IVIg.1,2,3
  • SCIg generally takes less time per infusion than IVIg. Generally, the more often you choose to infuse, the lower the required dose, and the shorter the duration of infusion administration.2,3,6
  • SCIg provides a “steady state” Ig level in the system, potentially avoiding the “wash–out” period often associated with the end of an IVIg dosage cycle.2,3,7
  • SCIg may be a better option for patients who have difficulty with access to veins.2,3
  • SCIg has been shown to have fewer systemic side effects, such as the joint pain, hives, chest tightness, wheezing, and post–infusion headache that may be associated with IVIg.2,3,4
Quick Comparison
Quick Comparison SCIg vs IVIg
Who
Who Infusion can be performed by patient or caregiver after training Infusion usually performed by an HCP
Where
Where Once properly trained, treatment can be administered almost anywhere (home, office, vacation, etc.)2,5 Usually performed in a healthcare facility/infusion clinic
When
When Every other week, weekly, or several times a week1,3 Usually every 3–4 weeks
Administration
Administration Subcutaneous (under the skin). Flexible administration tailored to lifestyle.3 Intravenous (into a vein). Structured administration by HCP.
Time to Infuse
Time to Infuse 5 minutes to 2 hours 2 to 6 hours
Absorption Rate
Absorption Rate Slower absorption3 Faster administration and absorption
Ig Levels
Ig Levels Steady state Ig levels3,7 Peaks and troughs in Ig levels: “wash out”7
Side Effects
Side Effects Often has very few systemic side effects3 Can have more systemic side effects such as: fever, muscle or joint pain, histamine or asthma reactions.3

Whether you’re new to SCIg or transitioning from your current PI treatment to cutaquig, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider for instruction and guidance.1

Preparation for Your Transition to cutaquig

Great news: Octapharma’s unique patient support program, IgCares, offers a wealth of assistance, support, education, and connection to make the transition seamless and smooth. From insurance investigation, claims support, co–pay assistance for those who qualify, on–call nurse support, to a complimentary full–service recycling program, and even to a charitable giving initiative, we’ve got you covered. Learn more and join the program at www.igcares.com.

Following are important things to consider and prepare for to successfully transition to cutaquig, whether from another SCIg treatment or an IVIg treatment.

  • Make sure you are financially covered
  • Receive your infusion equipment
    • Get the necessary equipment–plus associated explanations and training–from your healthcare provider or specialty pharmacy.
    • When you join IgCares, you’ll be able to recycle all your infusion materials – not just sharps and biohazardous material – but all of the infusion materials, packaging, and shipping materials associated with your prescription as well. All automatically, and all at no cost to you.
  • Get training for self-administration
    • You must receive proper training from your healthcare provider before you begin to self–administer cutaquig.1
  • Register at igcares.com to receive your cutaquig Patient Welcome Kit and review its contents
    • You’ll find helpful materials including the cutaquig Patient Handbook, infusion guide, FAQs, infusion journal, reimbursement and information reference cards, and more.

IgCares Patient Support Program

Join IgCares and start enjoying all the features and benefits of Octapharma’s robust patient support program.

References:
  1. Cutaquig Full Prescribing Information. Paramus, NJ: Octapharma; rev October 2021.
  2. Immune Deficiency Foundation. IDF Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases FIFTH EDITION; 2013.
  3. Kobrynski L. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy: a new option for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Biologics. 2012;6:277-287,
  4. Kobayashi RH, Gupta S, Melamed I, et al. Clinical Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of a New Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin 16.5% (octanorm [cutaquig®]) in the Treatment of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies. Front Immunol. February 2019 | Volume 10 | Article 40.
  5. Berman K. Safety, Efficacy, Tolerability, Advantages and Disadvantages of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immune Globulin Therapy. Highlights from IG Living Teleconference December 10, 2015. http://www.igliving.com/life-with-ig/teleconference/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-intravenous-and-subcutaneous-immune-globulin-therapy.html. Accessed April 25, 2019.
  6. Immune Deficiency Foundation. Immune Deficiency Foundation Guide to Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy for People Living with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases; 2018.
  7. McCormack PL. Immune globulin subcutaneous (human) 20% in primary immunodeficiency disorders. Drugs. 2012;72(8):1087-1097