immune globulin (human) (IgG) SubQ

Drugs & Medications

This medication is used to boost the body\'s natural defense system against infection in persons with a weakened immune system (primary immune deficiency). Immune globulin contains natural substances called antibodies (a type called IgG) that come from healthy human blood (plasma). These antibodies help protect your body against infections and help you to fight an infection if you get sick.

How to use immune globulin (human) (IgG) SubQ
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using immune globulin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given slowly by injection under the skin (subcutaneous infusion), usually once a week or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject this medication into a blood vessel. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy.
If you are giving this medication yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions for the medication and infusion pump from your health care professional and the product directions. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. If any of the information is unclear, consult your health care professional.
Do not shake the vials. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Change the location of the injection site each week to avoid problem areas under the skin. The recommended sites for injection are the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and hips.
Patients who are getting immune globulin for the first time, those who are switched from another brand of immune globulin, or those who have not received immune globulin in the past 2 months may be at risk of developing fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and rarely shock. It is recommended that these patients receive their first dose of this medication in the doctor\'s office/clinic so they can be monitored for these side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Mild swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site may occur and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. Headache, upset stomach, fever, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, or pain may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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: change in the amount of urine, sudden weight gain, fast heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe headache, stiff neck, eye pain, sensitivity to light, trouble breathing.
This medication may rarely cause blood clots (such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are severely dehydrated, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as very long plane flights or bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, confusion.
Though very unlikely to occur, this product may contain substances such as viruses that could cause infections because it is made from human blood (plasma). Careful screening of blood donors, special manufacturing methods, and tests are all used to reduce this risk. Discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an infection such as: persistent fever, persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See Side Effects 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.
This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain type of immune system deficiency (selective IgA deficiency with known antibody against IgA).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See Side Effects section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Tell your doctor if you have recently received or plan to receive any live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, varicella).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., IgG levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Before using, let the solution reach room temperature. Once a vial is opened, throw away any unused portion immediately. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised June 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.