What is this medicine?
IMMUNE GLOBULIN (im MUNE GLOB yoo lin) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain infections in patients who are at risk. This medicine is collected from the pooled blood of many donors. It is used to treat immune system problems, thrombocytopenia, and Kawasaki syndrome.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- chest pain or tightness
- fever, chills
- headache with nausea, vomiting
- neck pain or difficulty moving neck
- pain when moving eyes
- pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
- problems with balance, talking, walking
- sudden weight gain
- swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- dizzy, drowsy
- flushing
- increased sweating
- leg cramps
- muscle aches and pains
- pain at site where injected
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?- aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
- cisplatin
- cyclosporine
- medicines for infection like acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin
- NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- pamidronate
- zoledronic acid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to immune globulin or any ingredient in the formulation.
- One manufacturer of IGIV preparations states that the drug is contraindicated in patients who have had severe or anaphylactic reactions to blood or other blood-derived preparations.
- Selective IgA deficiency. (See Selective IgA Deficiency under Cautions.)
- Manufacturer states that IGIM should not be used in individuals with severe thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate IM injections. However, ACIP states that vaccines may be given IM to individuals who have bleeding disorders or are receiving anticoagulant therapy if a clinician familiar with the patient’s bleeding risk determines that the preparation can be administered with reasonable safety. (See Individuals with Bleeding Disorders under Cautions.)
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine is made from pooled blood donations of many different people. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine. However, the donors are screened for infections and all products are tested for HIV and hepatitis. The medicine is treated to kill most or all bacteria and viruses. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not have vaccinations for at least 14 days before, or until at least 3 months after receiving this medicine.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetes
- extremely low or no immune antibodies in the blood
- heart disease
- history of blood clots
- infection in the blood, sepsis
- kidney disease
- taking medicine that may change kidney function - ask your health care provider about your medicine
- an unusual or allergic reaction to human immune globulin, albumin, maltose, sucrose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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