immune globulin (subcutaneous) Health Article

Generic name(s):

immune globulin (subcutaneous)

Brand name(s):

immune globulin subcutaneous, Vivaglobin

What is the most important information I should know about immune globulin?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs that can interact with immune globulin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

Immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although immune globulin is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

What is immune globulin?

Immune globulin subcutaneous is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection from various diseases.

Immune globulin is used to treat primary immune deficiency.

Immune globulin may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using immune globulin?

Before receiving immune globulin, tell your doctor if you have:

• an allergy to human immune globulin;

• immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive immune globulin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use immune globulin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if immune globulin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you have already started treatment with immune globulin, tell your doctor if it has been 8 weeks or longer since your last dose.

Using immune globulin may affect the results if you have certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using immune globulin.