This medication is used in people with a certain type of
weakened immune system (primary immune deficiency) to strengthen it and to
lower the risk of infection. This medication is made from human blood that
has a high level of antibodies which help fight infections.
This product is also used to increase the number of
certain blood cells (platelets) in people with a certain blood disorder
(idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura-ITP). Platelets are needed to stop
bleeding and to form normal blood clots.
In addition, this medication is used to treat a certain
nerve disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP).
This disorder causes weakness and numbness/tingling/pain in the arms and
legs. This medication helps to improve these symptoms and prevents
relapse.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is usually given by slow injection
(infusion) into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based
on your medical condition, weight, and response to
treatment.
If you have primary immune deficiency and respond well
to this medication, your doctor may allow you to give this treatment at
home. In this case, give this medication by infusion under the skin as
directed by your doctor, usually once a week.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package. Let the medication vials come to room temperature
before preparing the infusion. Do not shake the vials. Before using, check
this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not
use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to
inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection
site(s) each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do
not rub the injection site after each dose. Learn how to store and discard
medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Headache, dizziness, fever, chills, back/joint pain,
nausea, vomiting, cough, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
health care professional promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fast heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a
serious inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several
hours to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you
develop severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to
light, eye pain, or nausea/vomiting.
Lung problems may rarely occur 1 to 6 hours after your
treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop trouble breathing,
chest pain, blue lips/skin, or fever.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immune globulin products;
or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood clotting problems
- immunoglobulin A deficiency
- kidney disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor of any recent or planned
immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to
certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella).
If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have
you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan
on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the
best time to receive them so you get a good response. Also tell your doctor
if you plan to travel to areas that have a measles outbreak or if you have
been exposed to measles.
This medication is made from human blood. Even though
the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special
manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get
infections from the medication (for example, viruses such as hepatitis).
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this medication, especially fever and vomiting.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of the drug, especially kidney problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Warning and Precautions sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as blood type), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
blood tests, immunoglobulin levels, kidney/liver function, urine volume)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions or your pharmacist for other storage details.
Discard any unused portion of an opened vial. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.