immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV)

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

This medicine can cause blood clots. The risk is highest in older adults or in people who have had blood clots, heart problems, or blood circulation problems. Blood clots are also more likely during long-term bedrest, while using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or while having a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.

This medicine can also harm your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease or you also use certain medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of kidney problems, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urination.

What is immune globulin intravenous (IGIV)?

Immune globulin intravenous (IGIV, for injection into a vein) is used to treat primary immunodeficiency.

IGIV is also used to increase platelets (blood clotting cells) in people with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

IGIV is also used in to help prevent certain infections in people with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

IGIV is also used in people with Kawasaki syndrome, to prevent aneurysm caused by a weakening of the main artery in the heart.

IGIV may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using IGIV?

• you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin or blood product;
• you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA; or
• you are allergic to corn.

IGIV can cause blood clots or kidney problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";
• a stroke or blood clot;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• an infection called sepsis;
• if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
• if you have been on long-term bedrest; or
• if you have a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Immune globulin is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

How should I use IGIV?

IGIV is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 3 to 4 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are using this medicine to help improve your blood flow and keep your kidneys working properly.

You may need frequent blood or urine tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using IGIV.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using IGIV?

Ask your doctor before receiving a "live" vaccine while using IGIV. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of IGIV?

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a headache, pounding in your neck or ears, fever, chills, chest tightness, or warmth or redness in your face.

• a blood cell disorder --pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• lung problems --chest pain, trouble breathing, blue colored lips, fingers, or toes;
• signs of a new infection --fever with a severe headache, neck stiffness, eye pain, and increased sensitivity to light; or
• signs of a blood clot --shortness of breath, chest pain with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, back pain, joint pain;
• fever, chills, sweating, warmth or tingling;
• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea;
• increased blood pressure, fast heartbeats;
• dizziness, tiredness, lack of energy;
• stuffy nose, sinus pain; or
• pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle.

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.

What other drugs will affect IGIV?

IGIV can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may affect IGIV, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about immune globulin intravenous.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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