What is the most important information I should know about IGIV?
IGIV is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g.,
viruses) that can cause disease. Although IGIV is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility
that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the
risks and benefits of using IGIV.
Treatment with IGIV has been associated with the development of kidney problems,
sometimes resulting in
kidney failure and/or death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop
decreased urination, sudden
weight gain, fluid retention or swelling, or
shortness of breath. These may
be signs of kidney problems.
Rare cases of
aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) have been associated with the use of
IGIV. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience
severe headache,
neck stiffness,
drowsiness,
fever, eye sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, and nausea or
vomiting. These may be signs of
AMS. Stopping treatment with IGIV has resulted in resolution of AMS without any lasting problems.
What is IGIV?
Immune globulin for intravenous administration (IGIV) is a sterilized solution obtained from
pooled human blood. It contains the immunoglobulins (or antibodies) to protect against infectious agents
that cause various diseases. Antibodies are substances in the blood that fight infections.
IGIV is used to reduce the risk of infection in individuals with poorly functioning immune
systems such as those with HIV infection, hereditary immunodeficiency syndromes, chronic lymphocytic
leukemia (CLL), and following bone marrow transplantation. IGIV is also used to increase platelet
counts in individuals with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to prevent coronary artery
aneurysms (weakening of the main artery in the heart) associated with Kawasaki syndrome.
IGIV may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking IGIV?
Do not use IGIV without first talking to your doctor if you have
You may not be able to use IGIV, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment.
IGIV is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will
be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use IGIV without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether IGIV passes into breast milk. Do not use IGIV without first talking
to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Individuals over the age of 65 years may have an increased risk of kidney problems with
the use of IGIV. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication or special monitoring
during treatment.
How should I take IGIV?
IGIV will be administered by intravenous (into a vein) injection by a healthcare provider in a
hospital or clinic setting.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other forms of monitoring during treatment
with IGIV to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store IGIV as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing
IGIV at home, your healthcare provider will provider storage instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your healthcare provider if a dose of IGIV is missed.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider if an overdose of
IGIV is suspected.
No information is available regarding an overdose of IGIV.
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