IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INTRAVENOUS/SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION:
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gammagard, Gamunex-C
GENERIC NAME(S): immune globulin,gamma(IgG)/glycine/IgA average 46 mcg/mL
Uses
USES: This medication is used in people with a certain type of weakened immune system (primary immune deficiency) to strengthen it and to lower the risk of infection. This medication is made from human blood that has a high level of antibodies which help fight infections. This product is also used to increase the number of certain blood cells (platelets) in people with a certain blood disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura-ITP). Platelets are needed to stop bleeding and to form normal blood clots. In addition, this medication is used to treat a certain nerve disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP). This disorder causes weakness and numbness/tingling/pain in the arms and legs. This medication helps to improve these symptoms and prevents relapse.
How to use IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INTRAVENOUS/SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by slow injection (infusion) into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. If you have primary immune deficiency and respond well to this medication, your doctor may allow you to give this treatment at home. In this case, give this medication by infusion under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. Before using at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions for this medication and the infusion pump from the Patient Information Leaflet and your health care professional. Let the medication vials come to room temperature before preparing the infusion. Do not shake the vials. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Clean the infusion site(s) with an alcohol wipe. Change the site(s) each time to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. It is important to receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Keep all your medical and lab appointments.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Warning
WARNING: This medication may cause serious (rarely fatal) kidney problems. This 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 using other drugs that may harm the kidneys (such as 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 of 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.
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