IG TRANSITION UPDATE – APRIL

April 13, 2018

April 10th, 2018

Update on Immune Globulin Products in Canada

Dear CIPO member,

Since late 2017 we have been updating our membership in regards to changes 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.

Over the last six weeks, we have held patient information sessions in several cities to address these issues. We are happy that many of you have come out to express your concern and ask questions about these changes.

There are still a few more sessions to come, and we are still planning a webinar for the beginning of May.

Calgary: April 18th, Auditorium, FMC, Ground Floor, Foothills Campus, University of Calgary

Vancouver and Halifax: TBA

Important Note: If you currently receive products (IVIG or SCIG) via the Special Access Program (SAP) you will continue on these products and there will be no change to your treatment.

IVIG

IVIG patients currently on Gamunex and IVIGnex will most likely not see any change in product, but it is still possible depending on your region. Some patients currently on Privigen may change to Gammaguard (this change will be discussed with your healthcare provider). This is primarily due to a decrease in supply of Privigen into Canada over the next 3 years.

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 SubQ will continue.

Hizentra Pre-filled Syringes

Some patients will have already been introduced onto the Hientra Pre-filled Syringes (PFS). Patients receiving 1g or 2g of Hizentra are more likely to be transitioned onto the Hizentra PFS, as the vials are no longer available in those sizes. Your healthcare provider will discuss this change with you, if this introduction will occur for you.

If you are using PFS, please do NOT remove your product from the plastic casing until your infusing time. The packaging has treated air that once removed requires use of the product.

Cuvitru

Hizentra will be phased-out from Canadian Blood Services most likely in August/September 2018, depending on supply. All patients currently on Hizentra will be transitioned to Cuvitru starting this month, with some patients already having been introduced. This transition period will allow each patient to be trained and transferred onto Cuvitru.

Cuvitru is only in vials and will not be available in pre-filled syringe.

In the short term, some patients may pick up Cuvitru that has to be kept refrigerated due to the date of manufacture. This will not be the case going forward. If you pick up product that needs to be kept in the fridge, you will be notified by the blood bank.

Patient Support Program

Those patients currently enrolled in the Hizentra Care program will need 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. You will receive an enrollment form from your clinic or healthcare provider, you will not be automatically enrolled.

If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment or how these changes affect you, please contact your healthcare provider.

 

Canadian Blood Services will continue to post updates on their website https://www.blood.ca/en/hospitals/customer-letters

CIPO National

info@cipo.ca

1-877-607-2467

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