What is immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Immune globulin intravenous 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, and to reduce the risk of infection
in individuals with poorly functioning immune systems such as those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL). IGIV is also used to increase platelets (blood clotting cells) in people with idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to prevent aneurysm caused by a weakening of the main artery in
the heart associated with Kawasaki syndrome.
Immune globulin is also used to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
(CIDP), a debilitating nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and can affect daily activities.
Immune globulin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an immune
globulin or if you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before you use immune globulin intravenous, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease;
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diabetes (especially if you use insulin);
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a history of stroke or blood clot;
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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a condition called paraproteinemia; or
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if you are over 65 years old.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether immune globulin is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
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.
How should I take immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Use immune globulin intravenous 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.
Immune globulin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor,
nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your
medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the
injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.
Immune globulin intravenous should not be injected into a muscle or under the skin.
Immune globulin intravenous is usually given every 3 to 4 weeks. Your dosing schedule may be
different. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your
blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Using immune globulin can cause you to have unusual results with certain blood glucose tests.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using immune globulin.
Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for
a new prescription. Throw away any unused medicine that is left over after injecting your dose.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container
out of the reach of children and pets.
Some brands of immune globulin should be stored in a refrigerator, while others can be
kept at room temperature. Follow the directions on your prescription label or ask your pharmacist if
you have questions about how to store the medication. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Your pharmacist has information about immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, weight gain, feeling
short of breath;
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drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss
of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
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trouble breathing, blue lips;
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fever with headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased
sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions);
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pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion
or weakness;
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slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing
(breathing may stop);
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the
body;
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sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech,
or balance;
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feeling like you might pass out;
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash; or
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache;
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dizziness;
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upset stomach, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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back pain, joint pain, minor chest pain;
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mild itching or skin rash; or
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runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Immune globulin can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when immune
globulin is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before using immune globulin,
tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many other drugs (including some
over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.
Before you use immune globulin intravenous, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease,
diabetes (especially if you use insulin), a history of stroke or blood clot, heart disease, high blood
pressure, a condition called paraproteinemia, or if you are over 65 years old.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your
blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Using immune globulin can cause you to have unusual results with certain blood glucose tests.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using immune globulin.
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 should I avoid while taking immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Do not receive live-virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, or rubella. The live vaccine
may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
What other drugs will affect immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
Immune globulin can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when immune
globulin is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before taking immune
globulin, tell your doctor if you are also using:
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lithium (Lithobid);
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methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
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pain or arthritis medicines such as aspirin (Anacin,
Excedrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine),
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others;
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medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis, such as
mesalamine (Pentasa) or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);
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medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such
as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf);
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IV antibiotics such as amphotericin B (Fungizone,
AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet), amikacin (Amikin), bacitracin (Baci-IM), capreomycin
(Capastat), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), streptomycin, or vancomycin
(Vancocin, Vancoled);
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antiviral medicines such as adefovir (Hepsera), cidofovir
(Vistide), or foscarnet (Foscavir); or
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cancer medicine such as aldesleukin (Proleukin),
carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), ifosfamide (Ifex), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin),
plicamycin (Mithracin), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
immune globulin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)?
