Immune Globulin

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Alyglo; Asceniv; Bivigam; Carimune NF [DSC]; Cutaquig; Cuvitru; Flebogamma DIF; GamaSTAN; Gammagard; Gammagard S/D Less IgA; Gammaked; Gammaplex; Gamunex-C; Hizentra; Hyqvia; Octagam; Panzyga; Privigen; Xembify

Brand Names: Canada

Cutaquig; Cuvitru; Gammagard; Gammagard S/D; Gamunex; Hizentra; Hyqvia; IGIVnex; Octagam; Panzyga; Privigen

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to help prevent infections or make infections less severe in people with a weak immune system.
• It is used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
• It is used treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
• It is used to help prevent infections caused by hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox (varicella), and rubella, or to make those infections less severe.
• It is used to treat multifocal muscle neuropathy.
• It is used to treat Kawasaki disease.
• If your child has been given this drug for some other reason, talk with the doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

All products:

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has an IgA deficiency.
• If your child has too much proline in the blood (hyperprolinemia).
• If your child has too much fluid in the body or you have been told to watch how much fluid your child drinks.

Injection (I.M.):

• If your child has low platelet levels.

Injection (I.V.):

• If your child is not able to break down fructose, talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sorbitol.
• If the patient is an infant or baby and it is not known if they are able to break down sucrose or fructose. Do not give this drug to your child if this is the case.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

All products:

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor. Some products have latex.
• Talk with the doctor before your child gets any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of very bad infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
• If your child has a weak immune system and has been exposed to measles, talk with the doctor.
• This drug is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This drug is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

Injection (I.V.):

• If your child is on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor about which glucose tests are best to use.

Injection (subcutaneous):

• Some products have maltose in them, which may affect certain glucose tests. False results of glucose tests may cause problems when treating high or low blood sugar. This may lead to long-lasting effects or death. Talk with the doctor about which blood sugar tests are best to use.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Injection (I.V. and subcutaneous):

• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Blue or gray color of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes.
• Seizures.
• Bloating.
• Feeling confused.
• Swelling.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Mood changes.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Change in speech.
• Change in eyesight.
• Shakiness.
• Sweating a lot.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Severe lung problems have happened with this drug. This type of lung problem can be life-threatening. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse.
• This drug may raise the chance of a very bad brain problem called aseptic meningitis. Call the doctor right away if your child has a headache, fever, chills, very upset stomach or throwing up, stiff neck, rash, bright lights bother the eyes, feeling sleepy, or feeling confused.

Injection (I.V.):

• Some patients who have immune globulin therapy for the first time or who have not had it within the past 8 weeks may have a risk for certain side effects. These may be fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. This may also happen in people who switch brands of immune globulin. Tell the doctor right away if any of these side effects occur.
• Dehydration and low sodium levels have happened when this drug has been given into a vein. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of dehydration like dry skin, mouth, or eyes; thirst; fast heartbeat; dizziness; fast breathing; or confusion. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of low sodium levels like headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, feeling confused, weakness, seizures, or change in balance.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

All products:

• Irritation where this drug is given.
• Feeling tired or weak.

Injection (I.V. and subcutaneous):

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain.
• Back, arm, or leg pain.

All products (I.V. and subcutaneous other than HyQvia ):

• Diarrhea.
• Muscle spasm.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Dizziness.
• Flushing.
• Cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All subcutaneous products:

• It is given as an infusion under the skin over a period of time.
• If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Do not shake the solution.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Do not heat this drug.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Different brands of this drug may be clear or have a slight color. Be sure you know what your brand needs to look like when ready to use. Do not use if the solution changes color. If you are not sure, talk with the pharmacist.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• Do not mix with any other liquid drugs.
• Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, hard, or scarred.
• Move the site where you give this drug as you were told by the doctor.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

HyQvia^®:

• Do not mix the immune globulin and the hyaluronidase before using.
• If you need to use 2 infusion sites, use sites on the opposite sides of the body.
• If you need to use 3 infusion sites, use sites at least 4 inches (10 cm) apart.

All other products:

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Injection (subcutaneous):

• Follow how to store closely. Read the package insert that comes with this drug. If you have questions about how to store this drug, talk with your pharmacist.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• Do not freeze.

Injection (I.M., I.V.):

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-07-05

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.