Transitioning to cutaquig
Evaluating SCIg therapy versus other Ig treatment options
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 designated 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
A Quick Comparison of SCIg versus IVIg
Quick Comparison | |||
---|---|---|---|
SCIg | IVIg | ||
Who | Infusion can be performed by patient or caregiver after training | Infusion usually performed by an HCP | |
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 | Every other week, weekly, or several times a week1,3 | Usually every 3–4 weeks | |
Administration | Subcutaneous (under the skin). Flexible administration tailored to lifestyle.3 | Intravenous (into a vein). Structured administration by HCP. | |
Time to Infuse | 5 minutes to 2 hours | 2 to 6 hours | |
Absorption Rate | Slower absorption3 | Faster administration and absorption | |
Ig Levels | Steady state Ig levels3,7 | Peaks and troughs in Ig levels: “wash out”7 | |
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 |
Preparing for Your Transition to cutaquig
If you elect to go with cutaquig, 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
Transitioning Essentials: Get Set for Success
Before transitioning to cutaquig, remember these key steps:
- Financial Readiness: Ensure you’re covered
- Infusion Equipment: Secure your necessary tools
- Enroll in Recycling: Automatically recycle all infusion materials
- Self-Administration: Get the training you need
References:
- Cutaquig Full Prescribing Information. Paramus, NJ: Octapharma; rev October 2021.
- Immune Deficiency Foundation. IDF Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases FIFTH EDITION; 2013.
- Kobrynski L. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy: a new option for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Biologics. 2012;6:277-287,
- 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.
- 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.
- Immune Deficiency Foundation. Immune Deficiency Foundation Guide to Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy for People Living with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases; 2018.
- McCormack PL. Immune globulin subcutaneous (human) 20% in primary immunodeficiency disorders. Drugs. 2012;72(8):1087-1097