December 19th, 2017
Update on Immune Globulin Products in Canada
Dear CIPO member,
On November 2nd, we sent a letter to you containing information about changes that will be taking place across Canada in regards to certain immune globulin products. We know that some of you have voiced your concern about how these changes will affect you and your care, and we have relayed these concerns to Canadian Blood Services, the product suppliers and health care providers.
IVIG
IVIG patients currently on Gamunex and IVIGnex will most likely not see any change in product. Some patients currently on Privigen may change to Gammaguard (this change will be decided with your healthcare provider). Panzyga will no longer be available with a complete phase-out planned for August/September 2018. Patients currently on Panzyga will be transitioned onto Gammaguard.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Patients currently on Gamunex or Gammanorm SubQ will continue on these products.
Pre-filled Syringes
Some patients currently on Hizentra will be introduced onto the new Hizentra pre-filled syringe. These introductions will not be across Canada, and your healthcare provider will discuss this introduction if it is occurring in your centre.
Cuvitru
Hizentra will be phased-out from Canadian Blood Services formulary in September 2018, and patients currently on Hizentra will be transitioned to Cuvitru between now and next September. This transition period will allow each patient to be trained and transferred onto Cuvitru.
Patient Support Program
Those patients currently enrolled in the Hizentra Care program will have the opportunity to enroll into Shire’s OnePath, the patient assistance program associated with Cuvitru. This patient assistance program will be comparable to the Hizentra Care program. If you are enrolled in the Hizentra Care program DO NOT start your Cuvitru treatment without giving consent to enroll into the OnePath program.
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment or how these changes affect you, please contact your healthcare provider.
We will continue to update you throughout this process, and work with Canadian Blood Services and industry, for the patient, ensuring that patient care is the primary concern to all involved.
Canadian Blood Services will continue to post updates on their website https://www.blood.ca/en/hospitals/customer-letters
CIPO National
1-877-607-2467