What is Octagam?
Octagam is a sterilised liquid composed of human plasma. It is a source of antibodies that aid your body in protecting itself from infections caused by different diseases.Octagam 5% is used to treat primary immunity (PI).
Octagam 10% can be used for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) as well as dermatomyositis (DM) in adults.Octagam can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Warnings
Octagam may result in blood clots. A blood clot is more likely in the event of high-risk factors, such as hormone usage or a history of blood clots when you're 65 years old or older, have had a bedridden experience, or are using an intravenous catheter.
Stop taking Octagam and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Symptoms that a blood clot has formed within the brain, such as an abrupt numbness or weakness (especially in one part of your body) or slurred speech; difficulties with balance or vision;
- Indications that a clot has formed within the lung or in the heart: chest pain and a rapid heart rate. abrupt cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood,
- Indications for a blood clot on your leg, such as discomfort, swelling, or redness on either leg or the other.
Octagam is also harmful to your kidneys, particularly if you already suffer from kidney disease or are taking various other medications. Other medications (including certain over-the-counter medications) are damaging to the kidneys.
Consult your doctor immediately. If you notice symptoms of kidney issues like swelling, rapid weight gain, and no or little urination,
Drink plenty of fluids when you're using Octagam to improve the flow of blood and ensure that your kidneys are working effectively.
Before you Take this Drug
Do not take Octagam. If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to an immune globulin or, in the case of an IgA or immune globulin A (IgA), insufficient antibodies to IgA and/or are allergic to corn,
Octagam may harm your kidneys or cause blood clots to form. To ensure this medication is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- heart illness, blood circulation problems, or a problem with blood vessels;
- An occurrence of a stroke or blood clots;
- If you take hormones (birth management pills and hormone replacement therapies),
- Kidney disease;
- Diabetes;
- A serious infection known as sepsis;
- Hyperproteinemia (too many proteins in the blood);
- Paraproteinemia (abnormal blood-borne protein levels);
- If you are dehydrated;
- If you're 65 years old or more,
- If you've experienced being bedridden due to a severe illness
- If you're having a catheter
FDA classification for pregnancy C It isn't known whether Octagam could harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant while taking the medication.It is not clear if immune globulin is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Octagam is created from the plasma of humans (part of the blood), which could be contaminated with infections and viruses. Plasma donated to the clinic is evaluated and treated to lower the possibility of it containing infectious agents; however, there is a slight possibility that it can carry the disease. Discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits of this treatment.
How to Take Octagam?
Octagam injections are made into veins via an IV. You can be instructed on how to administer an IV at home. Don't inject yourself with Octagam if you don't completely understand how to administer the injection. Also, be sure to eliminate needles, IV tubing, needles, and other equipment used to inject the drug.Octagam shouldn't be injected into muscle or beneath the skin.
Octagam is available in various doses according to the reason it is being utilised. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage to ensure you receive the most effective outcomes. Be sure to not take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer periods than prescribed.
Do not take Octagam if it has changed colour or contains particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication. Get rid of any unneeded medication left after you've injected the dose.
Each disposable needle should be used only once. Recycle used needles using an abrasion-proof container (ask your pharmacist for one and the best way to eliminate it). Make sure this container is out of reach of pets and children.When taking Octagam You may require regular blood tests. Your kidney function might be a factor to be monitored.
This medication can produce unusual results in certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking Octagam.
Octagam 55% Liquid is able to be stored for up to 24 months at +2°C up to 25°C (36°F up to 77°F) at the time of manufacturing. Follow the storage guidelines on the prescription label or talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions regarding how to store the medicine. Do not allow the medication to cool. Use it only until the expiration date has passed.
Octagam's 10% solution can last for 24 months, at +2 °C up to +8 °C (36 °F and 46 °F) at the time of manufacturing. In one year of shelf life, the product can be kept for nine months at 25 °C (77 °F). After storage at 25 °C (77 °F), it should be used or destroyed. Don't allow the medication to be frozen. Use it only until the expiration date has passed.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Consult your physician for prescriptions when you have missed a dose of this medicine.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Don't receive a "live" vaccine while using Octagam. The vaccine might not function in the same way during this period and could not fully protect you from illness. The live vaccines are measles, rubella, mumps (MMR), and rotavirus. yellow fever, typhoid varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal influenza (influenza) vaccination.
Side effects of Octagam
See a doctor immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction to the chemical Octagam: wheezing, hives, breathing problems, or dizziness, You may feel like you're going to pass out because of swelling on your lips, tongue, throat, or face.
Stop taking Octagam and consult your physician immediately if you suffer from:
- Symptoms that a blood clot has formed in the brain: an abrupt numbness or weakness (especially in one part of your body) and slurred speech. issues with balance or vision;
- Indications that a blood clot has formed within the lungs or in the heart: chest pain, a rapid heart rate, sudden wheezing, coughing, rapid breathing, and coughing up blood.
- Symptoms that a blood clot has formed on your leg, such as discomfort, swelling, warmth, or redness in either or both legs
- Symptoms of kidney problems such as swelling and weight gain, rapid urination, and no or little urination;
- Liver issues: rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Chest pain, breathing problems blue lips, chest pain, pale or blue-coloured appearance of your toes or fingers,
- Indications of a new infection signs of a new infection: symptoms of flu, high fever, mouth sores, severe neck stiffness, headaches, and increased sensitivity to light vomiting and nausea.
Common side effects of Octagam include:
- Swelling and pain at the injection location;
- Mild headaches;
- Dizziness;
- Exhausted feeling;
- Back discomfort, abdominal pain, muscle cramps;
- Minor chest pain;
- Flushing (warmth or redness) or tingly sensation.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Octagam can cause kidney damage, particularly if you take certain medications for osteoporosis, cancer, infections, rejection of organ transplants, digestive problems, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Other medications may interfere with immune globulin, which includes prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medication you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start taking.
