Immune globulin (By injection)

Bivigam, Carimune NF, Cuvitru, Flebogamma 10% DIF, Flebogamma 5% DIF, GamaSTAN S/D, Gammagard S/D (IgA less than 1 mcg/mL), Gammaplex 10%, Gammaplex 5%, Hizentra, HyQvia, Octagam, Octagam 10%, Privigen

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Allow this medicine to reach room temperature before using it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• Storage instructions: If you store this medicine at home, ask your pharmacist or health caregiver how to store it. Some brands should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Other brands must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how immune globulin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using estrogen, heparin, or any medicine that may affect your kidneys.
• Talk to your doctor before you get any live virus vaccines while you are receiving immune globulin. Some vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, anemia, blood clotting problems, diabetes, atherosclerosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), protein problems (including paraproteinemia or hyperproteinemia), any infection, problems with your immune system, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to corn or latex or if you are having a surgery that requires inactivity for a long time.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Kidney problems
  • Blood clots in your heart, lungs, or brain
  • Aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS)
  • Hemolysis (bleeding) or hemolytic anemia
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung problems
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk for getting a virus from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blue lips or fingernails, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chills, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting during the infusion
• Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
• Dark, red, or brown urine
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness
• Pain in your lower leg (calf), numbness or weakness in your arm or leg or on one side of your body
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe back, stomach, chest, or side pain
• Stiff neck, headache, fever, eye pain, eye sensitivity to light
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain or upset
• Low fever
• Mild headache or back, joint, or muscle pain
• Pain, itching, burning, redness, swelling, warmth, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed or shot is given
• Stuffy or runny nose

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088