What is Gamunex-C?
Gamunex C is a sterilized solution made of human plasma. It contains antibodies that help the body fight off infections from different diseases. Gamunex C injection is used for primary immune deficiency (PI). This includes but is not limited to congenital agammaglobulinemia (also known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia), common variable immunodeficiency (also known as CVI), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immune deficiencies. Gamunex C is used to increase platelets in patients with ITP. Gamunex C is used to treat chronic inflammation and demyelinating polyneuropathy. This nerve disorder can cause muscle weakness and affect everyday activities. Gamunex C is administered either by intravenous injection (IV) into the vein or subcutaneously (subcutaneously).
Warnings
Gamunex C can cause blood clots. Blood clots are more likely to occur if there are risk factors, such as heart problems, blood circulation issues, taking birth-control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or a history of
If you've ever:
- Signs of a Blood Clot in the Brain: sudden numbness, weakness, or slurred words (especially on one side), problems with vision and balance
- Signs of a Blood Clot in the Heart or Lung chest pain, rapid pulse, sudden cough, wheezing, or rapid breathing; or
- Signs of a Blood Clot in Your Leg Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness on one or both legs
Gamunex C can also damage your kidneys. especially if you have kidney disease or use other medications. Other drugs, including some over-the-counter medicines, can also harm the kidneys. If you notice any of the symptoms of a kidney disease, such as swelling, rapid growth in weight, or little or no urine, call your doctor immediately. Gamunex-C can help to improve blood flow, which will keep your kidneys functioning properly.
Before you take this drug
Gamunex-C should not be used if you:
- You have experienced an allergic reaction to immune globulins or blood products.
- You have a deficiency of immune globulin A with antibodies to IgA.
Immune globulin may cause blood clots and kidney problems in certain people, particularly older adults or those with certain conditions.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Gamunex C is safe for you:
- Heart problems, blood circulation issues or "thick blood";
- A stroke or blood clot
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes;
- Sepsis is an infection.
- If you are using estrogens (birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy),
- If you've been on bedrest for a long time,
- If you already have an intravenous central catheter (IV),
If you have been exposed to measles or traveled to an area with a high prevalence of this disease, you may need to adjust your dose. Do not wait to notify your physician if you become pregnant or nursing; do so as soon as possible! Gamunex C is made of donated plasma from humans and can contain viruses or infectious agents. Plasma is treated and tested to reduce the chance of contamination. However, there is still some risk. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Gamunex-C?
Gamunex C is either injected through an IV or under the skin with an infusion pump. You may be taught how to inject at home. You should not inject Gamunex C yourself if you don't know how to properly give the injection or dispose of the used needles, tubes, and other items. The condition you are treating will determine how you administer this medication, the frequency with which you receive it, and the duration of your infusion. Dosage instructions from your doctor are important. You should follow your doctor's instructions for how to mix and store the medicine. Do not inject Gamunex C into a vein if the doctor has instructed you to administer the medication as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Please follow the patient instructions that accompany this medication in order to use it safely and effectively. Please read and follow these directions, if there are any queries please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately.
Gamunex C must be administered slowly. It may be necessary to use multiple catheters at once to inject the medicine into different areas of your body. Your healthcare provider will show you the best spots on your body for you to inject the medicine. Please follow your doctor's directions. Keep a journal of when and where you gave your injection. Shaking the bottle can ruin the medicine. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready for an injection. Gamunex C should not be mixed with any other medication in the same infusion. If the medication has changed color or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist. Before using, check the expiration dates on the container. Only use disposable injection items once (a needle or catheter). Ask your pharmacist how you can dispose of the puncture-proof container. This container should be kept out of reach from both pets and children, to prevent harm being done to it by both.
You may need to have frequent blood tests while using Gamunex-C. It can produce unusual results in certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of Gamunex C. Gamunex-C single-use vials (bottles) are only for one-time use. Even if some medicine is left after injection, throw it away after use. Gamunex C should be stored in its original container in the fridge. Do not freeze Gamunex C. If it is frozen, throw the medication away. Take the medicine from the fridge and let it reach room temperature for 1 hour prior to preparing the dose. The medicine should not be heated before use. Gamunex-C can be stored at room temperature for 6 months, but not above 25 °C.Avoid moisture and heat. After the expiration date, throw away all unused medicines.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to receive instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Gamunex C should not be used in conjunction with a live vaccine. However, this vaccine may not provide as effective protection from disease as others available on the market do and therefore might not work effectively for everyone.Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (RRU), rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever (YF), varicella (chickenpox), and zoster.
Side effects of Gamunex-C
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness and feeling as if you may pass out, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or mouth, Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your caregiver if your symptoms include feeling light-headed or itchy or if your body feels cold, sweaty, or has chest discomfort.
If you experience:
- A blood cell disorder: pale, yellowed, or dark urine; a fever; confusion; or weakness.
- Symptoms of dehydration: feeling thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate.
- Kidney disease: swelling, rapid weight increase, feeling of shortness of breath, little or no urine;
- Lung issues: chest pains, wheezing, and difficulty breathing; blue lips, toes, or fingers.
- Signs of a New Infection: fever with severe headaches, stiff neck, eye pain, and increased sensitivity
- Signs of a Blood Clot: shortness of breath, chest discomfort with deep breathing and rapid heartbeat, numbness on one side, weakness or swelling in a particular area, warmth or discoloration of an arm or limb.
Gamunex C side effects include:
- Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, and cough
- Fever, chills, weakness;
- Back pain or muscle or joint pain
- Dizziness, tiredness, and depressed mood;
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Skin rash; redness or bruising
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips, red or swollen gingivae, difficulty swallowing
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach;
- Increased blood pressure
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the site of an injection
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to potential side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Immune globulins can damage your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, osteoporosis (bone loss), organ rejection, bowel disorders, or high blood pressure. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with immunoglobulin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
