What is Immune globulin (IG)?
The treatment of primary immunodeficiency is immunoglobulin subcutaneous (for injection beneath the skin).Immune globulin can also be used to treat chronic demyelinating inflammatory polyneuropathy, an autoimmune disease in which the immune response attacks the nerves and causes muscle weakness and numbness.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, stop using immunoglobulin immediately and seek emergency medical attention: hives, chest tightness or difficulty breathing, dizziness, feeling as if you may pass out, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Immune globulin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A blood cell disorder: pale, yellowed, or dark urine; fever or confusion;
- 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 virus: fever with severe headache and eye pain;
- 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 leg.
Side effects of immune globulin include:
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Pain, redness, or bruising; itching; swelling, or a hard lump at the injection site
- Fever, tiredness, dizziness;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain;
- Itching, rash, or other skin conditions
- Cold or flu symptoms include stuffy noses, sneezings, a sore neck, and coughing.
- Headache, migraine,
- You can experience pain in any part of your body.
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
Azthioprine, Imuran, Hizentra, Octagam, Betaseron, Privigen, and Gamunex-C
Warnings
This medication can cause blood clots. The risk is higher in older adults, people with heart disease, blood circulation issues, and those who have previously had blood clots. Blood clots can also occur during prolonged bed rest, when using birth-control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or while wearing an IV 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
Immunoglobulin 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.
If you've ever had a reaction to polysorbate or have hyperprolinemia (a high level of an amino acid in your blood), you may not be able to use immune globulin.
This medication can cause kidney or blood clot problems, particularly in older adults and people with certain conditions. You should tell your doctor if:
- Blood circulation issues, heart 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.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.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 a disease. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Immune globulin?
Infusion pumps are used to inject subcutaneous immune globulin. The medication enters your body via a catheter that is placed under the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by a healthcare provider.Immune globulin can be given every day or once every one to two weeks. This medicine should be taken at regular intervals in order to maintain a constant amount of drug in the body. Keep a journal if you are using this medicine at home. Record the dates, times, and locations of your injections.
You may have to use eight catheters at once to inject this medicine into different areas of the body. Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject immunoglobulin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you don't understand.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to administer the drug. 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 medicine.Never inject immunoglobulin into a vein.You'll need to have frequent blood tests. You may need to have other tests done. This medicine can alter the results. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of immune globulin.Store subcutaneous immune globulin in its original carton at room temperature. Store away from heat and sunlight.
This medicine can also be stored in its original container in the fridge. Immune globulin should not be frozen. If it is, throw away the medicine.Your medicine must be used within a specific number of months. The way you store your medicine (at room temperature or in the refrigerator) will determine how long it lasts. Follow the instructions for storage that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.After the expiration dates have passed, throw away any medication that has not been used.
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 the sharps in the container in which they are stored. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the 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, typhoid (chickenpox), varicella, zoster, and influenza.
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.
