Rho(D) 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

HyperRHO S/D; MICRhoGAM Ultra-Filtered Plus; RhoGAM Ultra-Filtered Plus; Rhophylac; WinRho SDF

Brand Names: Canada

Hyperrho S/D Full Dose [DSC]; HypRho-D; WinRho SDF

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
• It is used to treat Rh hemolytic disease.
• It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

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

• 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 allergy to corn or corn products.
• If your child has any of these health problems: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, breakdown of red blood cells or have been told your child is at risk for this, or if your child’s spleen has been removed.
• If your child has an IgA deficiency.
• If your child has recently had a live vaccine.
• If your child is a newborn. Some brands of this drug are not for use in newborns.

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?

• 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.
• Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness or clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects your child. These are things like riding a bike, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawnmowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.
• Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor. Some people may also need to have heart rhythm checked with an ECG.
• 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 high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor about which glucose tests are best to use.
• There is a chance of blood clots with this drug. The chance is raised if your child has thick blood, heart problems, or a history of blood clots. The chance may also be higher if your child must be in a bed or chair for some time, takes estrogen, or uses certain catheters. However, blood clots can happen even if your child does not have any of these health problems. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has numbness or weakness on 1 side of the body; pain, redness, tenderness, warmth, or swelling in the arms or legs; change in color of an arm or leg; chest pain or pressure; shortness of breath; fast heartbeat; or coughing up blood. Talk with your child’s doctor.
• Kidney problems have happened with human immune globulin. Sometimes, these problems have been deadly. Kidney problems are more common in people using products that have sucrose. Most immune globulin products do not have sucrose. The chance of these problems may be raised if your child has kidney problems, high blood sugar (diabetes), fluid loss (dehydration) or low blood volume, a blood infection, or proteins in the blood that are not normal. The chance may be raised if your child takes other drugs that may harm the kidneys. Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about this information or about if your child’s product has sucrose.
• You will need to be sure that your child is not dehydrated before getting this drug. Check with the doctor to see if you need to have your child drink extra fluids before getting this drug.
• 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.
• Do not give your child any vaccines for 3 months after immune globulin without talking with your child’s 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.

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:

• 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.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• 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.
• Back pain.
• Stomach pain.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Pale skin.
• Shivering.
• Muscle spasm.
• Lung problems have happened with this drug. 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.

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:

• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle or joint pain.

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.

• It is given as a shot.

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?

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

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.
• 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.
• 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

2022-11-15

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