cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG)?

What is cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG)?

CMV IG is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection with cytomegalovirus.

CMV IG is used to help prevent infection by cytomegalovirus in people who receive an organ transplant (kidney, heart, liver, lung, or pancreas).

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive CMV IG?

To make sure CMV IG is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• history of heart disease or stroke;
• if you are older than 65;
• if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea; or
• if you are dehydrated or have low blood pressure.

CMV IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How is CMV IG given?

CMV IG is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

CMV IG is usually given within 72 hours after your transplant. You will then receive several more doses every 2 to 4 weeks afterward.

While receiving CMV IG, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of CMV IG.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving CMV IG?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using CMV IG. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of CMV IG?

• blue lips, pale or blue colored appearance in your fingers or toes;
• a red blood cell disorder --pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness;
• signs of a kidney problem --swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urinating;
• lung problems --chest pain, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with foamy mucus, fast or uneven heart rate; or
• signs of new infection --high fever, flu symptoms, mouth sores, severe headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting; or
• signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; sudden cough, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common side effects may include:

• chills;
• mild nausea, vomiting;
• joint pain;
• back pain, muscle cramps; or
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

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 CMV IG?

CMV IG can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with cytomegalovirus immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about CMV IG.

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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