Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (Human) injection solution

What is this medicine?

VARICELLA-ZOSTER IMMUNE GLOBULIN (var uh SEL uh - ZOS ter i MYOON GLOB yoo lin) helps to reduce the severity of chickenpox infections in patients who are at risk. This medicine is collected from the pooled blood of many donors.

How should I use this medicine?

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for newborns 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

• shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in a leg

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

• chills

• headache

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

• live virus vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

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

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

• bleeding disorder

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high cholesterol

• history of blood clots

• IgA deficiency

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to varicella-zoster immune globulin, other immune globulins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine is made from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine, but no cases have been reported. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

This medicine can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your healthcare professional if you have received this medicine within the last 3 months. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your doctor to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

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