What is Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
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 taking Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
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.
How should I take Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
Rho(D) IG is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. You will receive this injection
while you are in a hospital or clinic.
For treatment during pregnancy, this medication is usually given at regular intervals
during the last half of the pregnancy, and again after the baby is born.
For treatment of a mismatched blood transfusion, the medication is given when symptoms
of an immune response appear (when the body starts making Rh antibodies).
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you
not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose of Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
Contact your doctor if you have a missed a dose of Rho(D) IG. Try to keep all
appointments so you do not miss a dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
Your pharmacist has information about Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
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 any of these serious side effects:
-
fever, chills, or shaking;
-
urinating less than normal;
-
a change in color of your urine;
-
sudden weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles;
-
back pain; or
-
shortness of breath.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
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 should I avoid while taking Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
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.
What other drugs will affect Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Rho(D) IG. 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.
What happens if I have an overdose of Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)?