Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG Injection

What is Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG Injection?

VACCINIA IMMUNE GLOBULIN, VIG-IV OR VIG-IM, is a liquid containing human antibodies or proteins that are used to treat complications due to smallpox vaccines.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG?

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

• diabetes

• heart disease, high cholesterol, or heart failure

• immunoglobulin A deficiency

• kidney disease

• recent vaccination

• any reactions to products containing sucrose or mercury (thimerosal)

• an unusual reaction to Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Vaccinia immune globulin, VIG-IV, is only for infusion into a vein. VIG-IV is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG?

• acyclovir

• adefovir

• amphotericin B

• carboplatin

• cidofovir

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• foscarnet

• ganciclovir

• injected aminoglycosides or vancomycin (antibiotics)

• live virus vaccines

• sirolimus

• tacrolimus

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG?

Because this product is developed from pooled blood samples of many different donors, it is theoretically possible that viruses or bacteria could be transmitted in the product. However, the VIG-IV product is tested for HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B.

Check with your health care professional before receiving vaccines. Live virus vaccines should not be given until 6 months after receiving VIG-IV.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG?

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

• chest pain or tightness

• decreased amount of urine or difficulty passing urine

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing

• flushing (warmth, redness, or itching of face)

• hives, skin rash, skin redness, or itching

• neck pain or difficulty moving neck

• pain and tenderness at the injection site

• unexplained swelling

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

• backache

• chills

• dizziness

• fever

• headache

• muscle aches and pains

• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply.