Uses
This medication is used to provide protection (antibodies) against certain virus infections (hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox, rubella) in people who have not been vaccinated or have not had the infection before. It is also used to strengthen the body's natural defense system (immune system) to lower the risk of infection in persons with a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin deficiency). This medication is made from healthy human blood that has high levels of certain defensive substances (antibodies), which help fight infections. Routine vaccination is usually the best way to protect against infection. Talk with your doctor about a recommended vaccination schedule.
How To Use
This medication is injected into a muscle as directed by your doctor. The dosage and schedule of injections depends on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Large doses (more than 10 milliliters) should be divided into 2 or more injections and given at separate injection sites.
This medication is given as soon as possible after you have had contact with (been exposed to) someone with hepatitis A, measles, chicken pox, or rubella. If you wait too long after being exposed, the medication may not be effective. Not everyone who is exposed to these infections should receive immunoglobulin. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
If you are traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common, this medication may be given along with the hepatitis A vaccine (in a separate injection). This medication will help protect you until your body can make antibodies from the vaccine. If you cannot use the hepatitis A vaccine, you may need to receive more doses of immune globulin if you are staying in the area for a long time (more than 3 months). Do not receive live virus vaccines (such as measles vaccine) at the same time as immune globulin. (See also Precautions section.) Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and a recommended vaccination schedule.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
If you are using this medication for an immune system problem, it is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Keep all your medical/lab appointments.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Muscle stiffness, redness, warmth, pain, and tenderness at the injection site may occur. Fever, chills, headache, and joint pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist 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:
- unusual tiredness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody/frothy urine)
- sudden weight gain
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.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immunoglobulin products (such as IVIG); 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:
- a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin A deficiency)
- bleeding/blood clotting problems (such as low platelets, hemophilia)
- kidney disease
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.
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.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also Warning section.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- drugs that may harm the kidneys (including aminoglycosides such as gentamicin)
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
Because this medication provides protection for only a limited time (1 to 3 months), additional doses may be necessary based on the situation. Discuss this with your doctor.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion. 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.
