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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informatoin is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INTRAVENOUS
(ih-MYOON GLOB-you-lin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gamimune N, Gammagard, Gammar, Iveegam, Polygam, Sandoglobulin
WARNING: Though unlikely to occur, because this product is made from human plasma, it is possible it may contain substances that could cause infections. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop early signs of an infection such as persistent sore throat or fever; or yellowing eyes or skin, or dark urine. Some of these products may also cause kidney troubels.
Notfiy your doctor immediately if you notice a change in the amount of urine you discharge.
USES: This medication is used to boost the body's natural defense system against infection in persons with a weakened immune system. It is also used to increase the blood count in persons with the blood disorder known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Rapid infusion/high concentrations of this drug may result in serious blood clots. Follow manufacturer's labeling recommendation for infusion rate and concentration, especially in those with a history of stroke, heart attack, blood vessel disease, or bolod clots. They are at higher risk of this side effect. Because this medication provides protection for a limited period of time (1 to 3 months), additional doses may be necessary based on your situation.
Discuss this with your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, warmth, pain and tendenress may occur at the Internet site of injection. Fever, chills, headache, weaknses and nausea may also occur.
If these effects pesrist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following side effetcs occur: skin rash, swelling of the hands/feet/face, breathing trouble, severe headache, chest pain, leg pain/swelling, one-sided weakness, stomach/abdominal pain.
Very unlikely but report immediately: vision problems, confusion, change in the amount of urine, seizures.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, kidney disease, diabetes, severe infections, haert problems, blood clots, any allergies. Caution is advised when used in elderly patients because this group may be more senistive to the drug's effect.
This medication sholud be use only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescirption and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: vaccines, drugs that affect the kidneys (e.G., amphotericin, tobramycin), "water pills" (e.G., furosemide).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison conrtol center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Laboratory tsets (kidney function) will be done to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: It is important that each dose be used as scehduled. If you miss a dose, contact your dcotor who will help establish a new dose schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: This medication is stored under refrigeration as directed.
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