Immune Globulin Injection

What is this medicine?

IMMUNE GLOBULIN (im MUNE GLOB yoo lin) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain infections in patients who are at risk. This medicine is collected from the pooled blood of many donors. It is used to treat immune system problems, thrombocytopenia, and Kawasaki syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein or skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

In rare cases, some brands of this medicine might be given at home. You will be taught how to give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blue colored lips or skin

• breathing problems

• chest pain or tightness

• fever

• signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis such as stiff neck; sensitivity to light; headache; drowsiness; fever; nausea; vomiting; rash

• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg

• signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemia such as fast heartbeat; tiredness; dark yellow or brown urine; or yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• sudden weight gain

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• flushing

• headache

• increased sweating

• joint pain

• muscle cramps

• muscle pain

• nausea

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• medicines for infection like acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin

• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• pamidronate

• vaccines

• zoledronic acid

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself the medicine and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

This drug is usually given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

In rare cases, some brands of this medicine may be given at home. If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• extremely low or no immune antibodies in the blood

• heart disease

• history of blood clots

• hyperprolinemia

• infection in the blood, sepsis

• kidney disease

• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccination

• an unusual or allergic reaction to human immune globulin, albumin, maltose, sucrose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine is made from pooled blood donations of many different people. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine. However, the donors are screened for infections and all products are tested for HIV and hepatitis. The medicine is treated to kill most or all bacteria and viruses. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Do not have vaccinations for at least 14 days before, or until at least 3 months after receiving this medicine.