What is Immune globulin (IG)?
Immune Globulin is administered intravenously or subcutaneously (injection into a vein, under the skin). It treats primary immune deficiency.Immune globulin can also be used to increase the number of platelets (blood-clotting cells) in people with idiopathic purpura.
Immune globulin can also be used to treat debilitating neurological disorders, which cause muscle weakness that can interfere with daily activities.Immune globulin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Immune globulin
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately: hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness and feeling as if you may pass out, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, etc.
Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your carer if your symptoms include feeling light-headed or itchy or feeling cold or sweaty.
Immune globulin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A blood cell disorder: pale, yellowed, or dark urine; fever or confusion;
- Dehydration symptoms—feeling thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or hot and dried skin.
- Kidney problems: swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath, little or no urine,
- Blue lips, toes, or fingers are signs of lung problems.
- Signs of a new infection include a fever with a severe headache, a stiff neck, eye pain, and increased sensitivity.
- Signs of a blood clot include shortness of breath, chest pain when deep breathing is done, rapid heartbeat, numbness on one side, swelling, warmth, or discoloration of an arm or limb.
Side effects of immune globulin include:
- Cough or sore throat.
- Fever, chills, weakness;
- Muscle pain or joint and muscle pain.
- Dizziness, tiredness, depressed mood;
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Skin rash;
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips, red or swollen gingiva, difficulty swallowing
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach;
- Increased blood pressure
- Itching, redness or swelling at the injection site
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Nplate, Promacta, Tavalisse, Doptelet, winrho SDF, prednisone, and dexamethasone
Warnings
Immune globulins can cause blood clots. The risk is higher in older adults, people with heart disease, blood clots, or circulation problems. Blood clots can also occur during prolonged bed rest, when using birth-control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or a central intravenous catheter.If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats or numbness, weakness, or swelling in your arm or leg, as well as warmth and discoloration, call your doctor immediately.
This medication can also damage your kidneys. Especially if kidney disease is present or you are also taking certain medications. If you notice any symptoms of kidney disease, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, or little to no urination, tell your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you:
- You have an allergy 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. You should tell your doctor if:
- Heart problems or blood circulation problems (or "thick blood");
- A blood clot or stroke
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes;
- Sepsis is an infection.
- If you use hormones (birth control pills or 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 or are traveling to an area with a high prevalence of this disease, you may need to adjust your dose.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
The immune globulin made from human plasma can contain viruses and other infectious agents. Plasma is treated and tested to reduce the chance of contamination. However, there is a very small risk that it may transmit disease. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Immune globulin?
Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that come with your medication. Your doctor may change the dosage. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.Immune globulin can be injected into a vein or given via an infusion pump. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properly.
Do not inject immune globulin in a vein if the doctor has instructed you to administer the medicine subcutaneously (under the skin).The condition you are treating will determine how you administer this medication, the frequency of use, and the duration of the infusion.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you don't understand the instructions.
Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Shaking the bottle can ruin the medication.Immune globulin should be administered slowly. You may have to use multiple catheters at once to inject immunoglobulin into different areas of the body. Your healthcare provider can show you where to inject the medication. Keep a journal of when and where you injected the medication.
While taking this medication, drink plenty of fluids to improve blood flow and maintain your kidneys' proper functioning.Blood or urine tests may be required frequently.It can also affect certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of immune globulin.This medicine should be stored in its original container in the fridge. Do not freeze immune globulin. If it has frozen, throw away the medicine.Let the medicine reach room temperature for up to an hour before you inject it.Immunoglobulin can also be stored at room temperature.
Immune globulin must be used within a specific number of months. The way you store your medicine will determine whether it is stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Follow the instructions for storage that come with your medicine. Use the medicine before the date of expiration is displayed on the label.Each vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside.
Disposable injection items (needle or catheter) should only be used once. Then, place them into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. You must follow local or state laws on how to discard this container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, 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?
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while using immunoglobulin. It may not protect you as well from disease, and the vaccine may not perform as well. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella (MMR), typhoid (chickenpox), varicella, yellow fever (shingles), rotavirus (influenza), typhoid (HTML4_ hepatitis A HTML4_), rotavirus (HTML5_ cholera HTML5_),
Interaction with other drug
Immune globulins can damage your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, infection, osteoporosis, or organ rejection. Other medicines that may harm your kidneys include Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect immune globulin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
