Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectab... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)

Brand name(s):

RHo (D) immune globulin, HyperRHO S/D Full Dose, MicRhoGAM, RhoGAM, RhoGAM Ultra-Filtered Plus, Rhophylac, WinRho SDF

What is the most important information I should know about Rho(D) IG?

While you are being treated with this medication, call your doctor right away if you have fever, chills, shaking, back pain, a change in the color of your urine or how much you urinate, sudden weight gain, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet. Do not receive live-virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, or chicken pox (also called MMR or Varivax) for at least 3 months after treatment with Rho(D) IG. These vaccines may not work properly during Rho(D) IG treatment and shortly afterward.

Rho(D) IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although Rho(D) IG 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.

If you are an Rh-negative woman and you become pregnant, you must tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to Rh-positive blood in your lifetime. This includes exposure from a mismatched blood transfusion, or exposure during your first pregnancy. Your history of exposure and treatment will be extremely important to each and every one of your pregnancies.

What is Rho(D) IG?

Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) is a sterilized solution made from human blood. Rh is a substance that most people have in their blood (Rh positive) but some people don't (Rh negative). A person who is Rh negative can be exposed to Rh positive blood through a mismatched blood transfusion or during pregnancy when the baby has the opposite blood type. When this exposure happens, the Rh negative blood will respond by making antibodies that will try to destroy the Rh positive blood cells. This can cause medical problems such as anemia (loss of red blood cells), kidney failure, or shock.

Rho(D) IG is used to prevent an immune response to Rh positive blood in people with an Rh negative blood type. Rho(D) IG may also be used in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Rho(D) IG may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive Rho(D) IG?

Before you receive Rho(D) IG, tell your doctor if you have:

• an allergy to human immune globulin;

• a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia); or

• immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive Rho(D) IG, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Rho(D) IG is used during and after pregnancy. This medication is not known to be harmful to a baby during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

If you are receiving this medication to treat a mismatched blood transfusion, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you ever plan to become pregnant.

If you are an Rh-negative woman and you become pregnant, you must tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to Rh-positive blood in your lifetime. This includes exposure from a mismatched blood transfusion, or exposure during your first pregnancy. Your history of exposure and treatment will be extremely important to each and every one of your pregnancies.

Rho(D) IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although Rho(D) IG 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.