Uses
This medication is used in people with a certain type of weakened immune system (primary immune deficiency) to strengthen it and to lower the risk of infection. This medication is made from human blood that has a high level of antibodies which help fight infections.
This product is also used to increase the number of certain blood cells (platelets) in people with a certain blood disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura-ITP). Platelets are needed to stop bleeding and to form normal blood clots.
In addition, this medication is used to treat a certain nerve disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP). This disorder causes weakness and numbness/tingling/pain in the arms and legs. This medication helps to improve these symptoms and prevents relapse.
How To Use
This medication is usually given by slow injection (infusion) into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
If you have primary immune deficiency and respond well to this medication, your doctor may allow you to give this treatment at home. In this case, give this medication by infusion under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a week.
Before using at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions for this medication and the infusion pump from the Patient Information Leaflet and your health care professional. Let the medication vials come to room temperature before preparing the infusion. Do not shake the vials. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Clean the infusion site(s) with an alcohol wipe. Change the site(s) each time to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.
It is important to receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Keep all your medical and lab appointments.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Headache, dizziness, fever, chills, back/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or health care professional promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- fast heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a serious inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or nausea/vomiting.
Lung problems may rarely occur 1 to 6 hours after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips/skin, or fever.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immune globulin products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood clotting problems
- immunoglobulin A deficiency
- kidney disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor of any recent or planned immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the best time to receive them so you get a good response. Also tell your doctor if you plan to travel to areas that have a measles outbreak or if you have been exposed to measles.
This medication is made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections from the medication (for example, viruses such as hepatitis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially fever and vomiting.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially kidney problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also Warning and Precautions sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as blood type), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, blood tests, immunoglobulin levels, kidney/liver function, urine volume) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
If you are giving this medication at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or your pharmacist for other storage details. Discard any unused portion of an opened vial. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
