IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INJECTION

IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ih-MYOON GLOB-you-lin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gamimune N, Gammagard, Gammar, Octagam, Sandoglobulin

GENERIC NAME(S): immune globulin,gamm(IgG)/glycine/glucose/IgA 0 to 50 mcg/mL

Uses

USES: This medication is used to strengthen the body's natural defense system (immune system) to lower the risk of infection in persons with a weakened immune system. This medication is made from healthy human blood that has a high level of certain defensive substances (antibodies), which help fight infections. It is also used to increase the blood count (platelets) in persons with a certain blood disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura-ITP). Platelets are needed to stop bleeding and form blood clots. Some immune globulin products may also be used to treat a certain type of muscle weakness problem (multifocal motor neuropathy) or a certain nerve disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP). Some products may also be used to prevent certain blood vessel disorders in people with Kawasaki syndrome.


How to use IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection under the skin or slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor. Your health care professional will start the medication slowly while monitoring you closely. If you have few or no side effects, the medication will be given faster. Tell your health care professional right away if you experience any side effects such as flushing, chills, muscle cramps, back/joint pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath. The infusion may need to be stopped or given more slowly. The dosage and frequency depends on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Keep all your medical/lab appointments.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Flushing, headache, dizziness, chills, muscle cramps, back/joint pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting may occur. Tell your doctor or other health care professional right away if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, tell your doctor. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness. Rarely, this product may contain substances that could cause infections because it is made from human blood. Though the risk is very low due to careful screening of blood donors, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection such as persistent sore throat/fever, yellowing eyes/skin, or dark urine. Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a serious inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, high fever, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or severe nausea/vomiting. Lung problems may rarely occur 1 to 6 hours after your treatment. You will be monitored closely for any lung problems after your treatment. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immunoglobulin products (such as CMV IgG); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain immune system problems (immunoglobulin A deficiency, monoclonal gammopathies), diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fats (triglycerides), migraines, current blood infection (sepsis), kidney disease, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Some immune globulin products should not be used in people who have a certain metabolic hereditary problem (such as fructose/sucrose intolerance). Ask your doctor for more details. Some immune globulin products are made with maltose. This substance can cause false high blood sugar levels when your blood sugar is normal or even low. If you have diabetes, check with your pharmacist whether the product you are using contains maltose and whether your blood sugar testing supplies will work with this product. Rarely, serious problems have occurred when too much insulin was given because of false high sugar readings or when low blood sugar went untreated. Tell your doctor of any recent or planned immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the best time to receive them so you get a good response. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the kidneys. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs that may harm the kidneys (e.g., aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide). This medication may interfere with certain tests (including certain blood sugar tests, blood type), possibly causing false test results. This can lead to serious (possibly fatal) consequences. Tell all laboratory personnel and all your doctors and pharmacists that you use this medication, and which type of blood sugar testing strips you use.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INJECTION

- Immune globulin injection is a medication that contains antibodies to help prevent or treat various diseases caused by immune deficiencies.

- Immune globulin injection is used for treating primary immunodeficiency disorders, such as common variable immunodeficiency or X-linked agammaglobulinemia. - It is also used for preventing infections in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing organ transplantation, or receiving chemotherapy.

- Immune globulin injection is usually given through intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein. In some cases, it can also be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle).

- Common side effects may include headache, fatigue, fever, chills, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. - Rare but serious side effects can include kidney problems, blood clots, or aseptic meningitis.

- The frequency of administration depends on the individual's condition and the specific immune globulin product. Some may require monthly infusions, while others may receive them less frequently.

- Immune globulin injection is generally considered safe when combined with other medications. However, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

- Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to immune globulin or any component of the product should not receive this treatment. - Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

- Immune globulin injection has been proven effective in preventing and treating various infections in individuals with immunodeficiencies. - However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual's condition and immune response.

- In some cases, other treatments like antibiotics, antivirals, or immunosuppressive drugs may be used instead of or in conjunction with immune globulin injection. The choice of treatment depends on the specific condition and its underlying cause.


Warning

WARNING: This medication may cause serious (rarely fatal) kidney problems. The risk is higher if you have kidney problems, diabetes, a serious blood infection (sepsis), a certain blood problem (paraproteinemia), or a severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), as well as if you are older than 65 years or are taking other drugs that may harm the kidneys (e.g., gentamicin). This medication may also rarely cause serious blood clots (such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are an older adult, are severely dehydrated, have a catheter in a vein close to your heart for administering medications, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as very long plane flights or bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, discuss the risks and benefits and if you have any of these conditions, report them to your doctor or pharmacist. The risk of kidney problems and blood clots may be decreased by infusing this medication more slowly or by using a less concentrated form of this medication if available. Being adequately hydrated before receiving this medication may also help reduce these risks. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: sudden weight gain, swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, a change in the amount/color of urine, foamy/frothy urine, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the arm/leg, sudden/severe headache, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, or confusion.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.