Immune Globulin (im-MYOON GLOB-yoo-lin)

Treats problems with your immune system. Helps prevent infections or make the infection less severe. Treats idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a blood disorder). Increases the amount of immune globulin in people who do not have enough in their bodies. Prevents heart problems in children who have Kawasaki syndrome.

Brand Name(s):

Gamastan S/D, GamaSTAN S/D, Gamunex, Gammagard Liquid, Flebogamma, Flebogamma 5% DIF, Flebogamma 5%, Octagam, Privigen, Panglobulin NF, Carimune NF, Gammagard S/D, Gammagard S/D (IgA<1ug/ml), Polygam S/D, Gammar-P I.V.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, ask your pharmacist or health caregiver how to store it. Some brands should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Some brands must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any medicines that may affect your kidneys.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving immune globulin. You may need to wait at least 3 months after you receive immune globulin before you can have any kind of vaccine. This includes a flu vaccine. Also, vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a history of blood cell problems, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, blood clots, stroke, or other circulation problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you have migraines, kidney problems, diabetes, a recent serious infection, or recent dehydration (not enough fluid in your body). Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex or anything else, or if you have problems with your immune system.
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made from human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the making of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering or peeling skin, or a red skin rash.
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools, or abdominal pain.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, new coughing, or coughing up blood.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever with chills, runny nose, and unusual tiredness, followed by a rash or joint pain.
• Fever with poor appetite and unusual tiredness, followed by nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Fever with severe headache, stiff neck, tiredness, sensitivity to light, or painful eye movement.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Lower back or side pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Seizures.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, or rapid weight gain.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back, hip, or joint aches.
• Fast heartbeat, warmth or redness in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
• Headache.
• Pain or redness where the needle is placed.
• Tremors (shaking).