What is Varicella zoster immune globulin?
Varicella zoster (commonly called chickenpox) is a very common childhood illness that can cause fever, skin eruptions, and the appearance of fluid-filled blisters on your skin. The symptoms of chickenpox are usually mild, but they could be deadly for infants and young children, adults, and those with an immune system that is weak. It can cause serious skin infections and breathing problems, as well as brain damage. Death.
When the varicella virus is activated at an adult age, it could trigger the herpes zoster virus (also known as shingles), which can result in painful skin infections, blisters, and extreme neuropathy, as well as problems with hearing or vision that can be present for months or even years.It is transmitted between people through the air or by touching the fluid resulting from an open chickenpox blister.
Varicella Zoster immunoglobulin is utilized by children, adults, and infants (including premature infants or newborns) who are at risk of becoming severely sick from exposure to the varicella Zoster virus. Varicella zoster immune globulin can also be used in pregnant women.Varicella zoster immunoglobulin is applied after exposure to those who have been exposed to the varicella virus. This medication may help prevent symptoms from becoming life-threatening or severe.
This medication will not cure an active disease that has already formed within the body.Varicella zoster immuneglobulin could also be used to treat conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.
Similar or related drugs
Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Zovirax, Foscarnet, and immune globulin intramuscular
Side effects of Varicella zoster immune-globulin
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Varicella zoster immune globulin may cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your physician right away. If you suffer from:
- Indications that a blood clot has formed within the brain, such as sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side) or slurred speech. Difficulties with balance or vision;
- Symptoms for a blood clot within the lung or in the heart: chest pain, a rapid heart rate, sudden breathing, wheezing or sneezing, rapid breathing, and coughing up blood
- Indications for a possible blood clot within your leg: swelling, pain, or warmth on one or both legs;
- Indications of a new infection: fever, chills, fever, flu symptoms, oral sores, pain when swallowing
The risk of side effects is more common in older people.
Common adverse effects of varicella zoster immune globulin could be:
- Headache
- Discomfort where the medication was injected.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label of your medication and on the label of your package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and any medications you take.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat with varicella zoster immunoglobulin if:
- You've experienced an allergic reaction to immune globulin,
- You have an immune globulin A (iga) antibody with insufficient antibodies to iga.
Consult your doctor if you have recently received a "live" vaccine. The vaccine might not work for a while after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin. Live vaccines comprise measles as well as mumps and rubella (MMR), typhoid, polio, and rotavirus varicella, yellow fever (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal influenza (influenza) vaccine.
To make sure that varicella zoster immune globulin is not harmful for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:
- Coronary condition; coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- Blood circulation issues;
- A history of stroke, blood clots,
- An illness for which you are currently in bed.
It is unclear if varicella zoster immunoglobulin can affect a newborn baby. But chickenpox could cause birth defects, low birth weight, or even a serious infection in the infant. This is why this medication should be prescribed during pregnancy when you are at an increased risk of contracting the varicella zoster virus.
It isn't known if the varicella zoster immune globulin is passed into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a child.
Varicella zoster immune globulin is created from the blood plasma of humans (part of the blood) and could contain infections and viruses. Plasma donated to the clinic is examined and treated to decrease the chance of it being contaminated by infectious agents; however, there is a slight possibility that it may transmit a disease. Consult your physician about the potential risks and benefits of this drug.
How to take Varicella zoster immune globulin?
Varicella Zoster Immune globulin is injectable into muscles. The healthcare professional will provide the injection.Varicella zoster Immunoglobulin must be administered as soon as possible (within the first 96 hours) following the time you've been exposed to varicella zoster.
The medication is usually administered only once. In some instances, your physician may suggest an additional dose, especially in the event that you've been exposed to varicella zoster disease within 3 weeks of the immune globulin injection.A single dose could need to be injected into more than one area of your body, based on your height. Varicella Zoster immune globulin dosages are determined by weight.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster:
Dosing is based on weight.
Under 2 kg (62.5 international units intramuscularly).
2.1 10-kg Inject 125 intramuscularly from international units
10.1–20 kg 250 international units intramuscularly
20.1–30 kg 20.1 to 30 kg
30.1 up to 40 kg: 500 units of international units intramuscularly
40.1 kilograms or greater, 625 units of international units intramuscularly
Minimum dose: 62.5 international units.
Maximum dose: 625 international units
Consider a second dose for patients at high risk with varicella exposures that are more than 3 weeks following the first dose.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster:
Dosing is based on weight.
Two kilograms or less (62.5 international units intramuscularly)
2.1 up to 10kg: inject 125 international units intramuscularly.
10.1–20 kg 250 international units intramuscularly
20.1 -30 kg 175 international units intramuscularly
30.1–40 kg: 500 units of international units intramuscularly
40.1 kilograms and more, 625 international units intramuscularly
Minimum dose: 62.5 international units.
Maximum dose: 625 international units
It is recommended to consider a second dose for patients at high risk who have had additional exposures to varicella for more than 3 weeks following the initial dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As varicella zoster immune globulin is generally only administered once, you're unlikely to skip the dose. Consult your physician if you are not receiving all the prescribed doses.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can affect varicella zoster immunoglobulin, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start using.
