Kiovig

Kiovig can only be obtained with a prescription and treatment for patients with a lack of antibodies should be started and monitored by a doctor experienced in treating such conditions.

The medicine is given by infusion (drip) into a vein. The dose and frequency of infusions depend on the disease being treated and how well the disease is being controlled.

For more information about using Kiovig, see the package leaflet or contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The active substance in Kiovig, human normal immunoglobulin, is a highly purified protein extracted from human plasma (part of the blood). It contains immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is a type of antibody. IgG has been used as a medicine since the 1980s and has a wide range of activity against organisms that can cause infection. Kiovig works by restoring abnormally low IgG levels to their normal range in the blood. At higher doses, it can help to adjust an abnormal immune system and modulate the immune response.

As human normal immunoglobulin has been used to treat these diseases for some time, and in accordance with current guidelines, four small studies were needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of Kiovig in patients.

In the first study, Kiovig was used to replace antibodies in 22 patients with PID who had very low or no levels of immunoglobulin. The main measure of effectiveness was the number of serious bacterial infections and the amount of antibiotic used.

The second study looked at using Kiovig to adjust the immune system in 23 patients with ITP. The main measure of effectiveness was the increase in platelets.

The third and fourth studies were in a total of 28 patients with MMN. The main measures of effectiveness were based on muscle strength and the reduction in patients’ disability.

As human normal immunoglobulin has been used to treat these diseases for a long time, and in accordance with current guidelines, 4 small studies were needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of Kiovig in patients.

In the first study, Kiovig was used to replace antibodies in 22 patients with PID who had very low or no levels of immunoglobulin. Kiovig was as effective as the standard treatment in preventing infections and reducing antibiotic use.

The second study looked at using Kiovig to adjust the immune system in 23 patients with ITP. Kiovig was shown to be effective in increasing the platelet count.

The third and fourth studies were in a total of 28 patients with MMN. Kiovig was effective in maintaining muscle strength and reducing disability.

The most common side effects with Kiovig (seen in more than 1 patient in 10) are headache, hypertension (high blood pressure), nausea (feeling sick), rash, tiredness, local reactions such as pain, swelling or itching at the site of injection, and fever. Some side effects are more likely when using a high rate of infusion, in patients with low immunoglobulin levels, or in patients who have not received Kiovig before or for a long time.

Kiovig must not be used in people who are hypersensitive (allergic) to human normal immunoglobulin or any of the other ingredients, or in patients who are allergic to other types of human immunoglobulin, especially where they have very low levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and they have antibodies against IgA. For the full list of side effects and restrictions, see the package leaflet.

Kiovig was shown to be effective in PID, ITP and MMN. Based on its effectiveness in these diseases, Kiovig can be approved for use in the treatment of other types of immunodeficiency, as well as low antibody levels due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, Kawasaki disease or CIPD, without the need for specific studies in these diseases. Therefore, the European Medicines Agency concluded that Kiovig’s benefits are greater than its risks and recommended that it be given marketing authorisation.

Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of Kiovig have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet.

As for all medicines, data on the use of Kiovig are continuously monitored. Side effects reported with Kiovig are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients.

Kiovig received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 19 January 2006.