What is Gamimune?
Gamimune N is a sterilized solution derived from human plasma. It contains antibodies that help the body fight off infections from different diseases. Gamimune N can be used to treat conditions of primary immunodeficiency where a severe impairment in antibody formation capacity has been demonstrated. Gamimune N can also be used to increase the number of platelets in patients with idiopathic blood clotting disorders.Gamimune N can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Gamimune N can damage your kidneys. This effect is exacerbated if you use other kidney-damaging medicines. Tell your doctor all the medications you are taking before using Gamimune N. Other drugs, including some over-the-counter medicines, can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor before using Gamimune N if any of the following conditions exist: kidney disease, diabetes (especially if insulin is used), heart disease, stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, or paraproteinemia. Gamimune N must be regularly tested in your blood to ensure that it is helping you and not having any harmful effects. You may need to test your kidney function. Visit your doctor regularly. Gamimune N may cause abnormal results in certain blood glucose tests. Inform any doctor that you see about Gamimune N. Gamimune N comes from plasma, which is a part of blood that may contain viruses or other infectious agents. The plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible that it could spread disease. Speak to your doctor about Gamimune N's risks and benefits.
Before you take this drug
Gamimune N should not be used if you are allergic to immune globulins or have an IgA deficiency. Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have to ensure that you can use Gamimune N safely.
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes (especially if insulin is used);
- A history of strokes or blood clots;
- Heart disease or high blood tension
- A condition known as paraproteinemia.
- If you are older than 65,
FDA pregnancy category C There is no way to know if Gamimune N can harm an unborn child. You should inform your physician as soon as you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Immune globulin may pass into breastmilk or harm nursing babies. You should not use Gamimune N if you are breastfeeding a child. Gamimune N comes from plasma, which is a part of blood that may contain viruses or other infectious agents. The plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible that it could spread disease. Speak to your doctor about Gamimune N's risks and benefits.
Similar/related drugs
Hizentra, Privigen, Gamunex-C, Octagam, immune globulin intravenous, and Cuvitru
How to take Gamimune?
Gamimune N can be injected through an IV into a vein. It is possible that you will be taught how to use the IV at home. You should not inject this medicine yourself if you don't know how to properly give the injection. Gamimune N shouldn't be injected under the skin or into muscles. Gammune N should not be used if the color has changed or if there are particles present. Contact your doctor to get a new prescription. After injecting the medicine, throw away any remaining unused medication. Each disposable needle should only be used once. Use a puncture-proof container to throw away used needles (ask the pharmacist how you can dispose of one). This container should be secured away from children and pets to prevent access. Gamimune N can be given 3–4 times a week. You may have a different schedule. Please follow your doctor's directions. You may need to change the dose from time to time if you want the best results.
Your blood must be tested frequently to ensure that this medication is helping you and not having any harmful effects. You may need to test your kidney function. Visit your doctor regularly. Gamimune N may cause abnormal results in certain blood glucose tests. Inform any doctor that you see about Gamimune N. Some brands of immunoglobulin are best stored in the refrigerator. Others can be stored at room temperature. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist or the instructions on the prescription label.Medication must not freeze up.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a Gamimune N dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, and typhoid vaccines. They may also not protect you as well. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), mumps (MMR), rubella (RUB), typhoid (typhoid), chickenpox varicella (typhoid), BCG (Bacillus Caulette and Guerin), and nasal flu vaccines.
Side effects of Gamimune
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience a serious side effect such as:
- Urinating less or not at all
- Drowsiness and confusion; changes in mood; thirst; nausea; vomiting; and loss of appetite;
- Are You experiencing shortness of breath, swelling, or weight gain;
- Wheezing and chest tightness
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- Fever with headaches, neck stiffness, and chills; increased sensitivity to light; purple spots or convulsions on the skin
- Fever, confusion, or weakness can be caused by pale or yellowed urine or by pale or yellowed skin.
Gamimune N may cause less serious side effects, such as:
- Mild headache
- Dizziness;
- Tired feeling
- Back pain and muscle cramps
- Minor chest pain;
- Flushing (warmth, tingling, or redness)
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA with reports of adverse side effects is simple at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Gamimune N may harm your kidneys. This effect increases when you use other kidney-damaging medicines. If you recently used:
- Lithobid (lithium)
- Methotrexate (rheumatrex, trexall);
- Pain or arthritis medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, aleve, naprosyn, piroxicam, and others
- Mesalamine, sulfasalazine, or pentasazine are all used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
- Medicines used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, such as sirolimus, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus
- Those iv antibiotics are amphotericin b, amikacin, bacitracin, capreomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, or vancomycin.
- Antiviral drugs such as hepsera (adefovir), vistide (cidofovir), or foscarnet (foscavir);
- Cancer medicine, such as aldesleukin or proleukin.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you take. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and nutritional products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
