Health Information and Tools > Medications >  Immune Globulin - Intravenous/Subcutaneous Injection

Main Content

Immune Globulin - Intravenous/Subcutaneous Injection

Pronunciation: i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin

Common Brand Name(s): Gamunex

Important: How to Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Warning

This medication may cause serious (rarely fatal) kidney problems. This risk is higher if you have kidney problems, diabetes, a serious blood infection (sepsis), a certain blood problem (paraproteinemia), or a severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), as well as if you are older than 65 years or are using other drugs that may harm the kidneys (such as gentamicin).

This medication may also rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are an older adult, are severely dehydrated, have a catheter in a vein close to your heart for administering medications, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as very long plane flights or bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk.

Before using this medication, discuss the risks and benefits and if you have any of these conditions, report them to your doctor or pharmacist. The risk of kidney problems and blood clots may be decreased by infusing this medication more slowly or by using a less concentrated form of this medication if available. Being adequately hydrated before receiving this medication may also help reduce these risks.

Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: sudden weight gain, swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, a change in the amount of urine, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the arm/leg, sudden/severe headache, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, or confusion.