This kit contains two medications: immune globulin and
hyaluronidase.
Immune globulin is used to boost the body's natural
defense system against infection in persons with a weakened immune system
(primary immune deficiency). Immune globulin contains natural substances
called antibodies (a type called IgG) that come from healthy human blood
(plasma). These antibodies help protect your body against infections and
help you to fight an infection if you get sick.
Immune globulin is also used to treat a certain nerve
disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP). This
disorder causes weakness and numbness/tingling/pain in the arms and legs.
This medication helps to improve these symptoms and prevents
relapse.
Hyaluronidase is used to help the body absorb the immune
globulin.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using immune
globulin/hyaluronidase and each time you get a refill. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given slowly by injection (infusion)
under the skin in the abdomen or thigh as directed by your doctor, usually
every 3 to 4 weeks. Hyaluronidase should be injected first followed by
immune globulin. Do not inject this medication into a blood vessel. The
dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to
treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose and dosing interval. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package.
Let the medication vials come to room temperature before
use. Do not shake the vials. Before using, check this product for particles
or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site(s) each
time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into bony areas or into
skin that is infected, scarred or swollen. To lessen bruising, do not rub
the injection site after each dose. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or itching at the
injection site may occur. Headache may also occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fast heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a
serious swelling of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours
to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you have
severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light, eye
pain, or nausea/vomiting.
Lung problems may rarely occur 1 to 6 hours after your
treatment. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, chest
pain, blue lips/skin, or fever.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using immune globulin/hyaluronidase, tell your
doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immune globulin
products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- a certain type of immune system deficiency (selective IgA
deficiency with known antibody against IgA)
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- severe loss of body fluids (dehydration)
- a certain blood problem (paraproteinemia)
Tell your doctor of any recent or planned
immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to
certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella).
If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have
you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan
on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the
best time to receive them so you get a good response. Also tell your doctor
if you plan to travel to areas that have a measles outbreak or if you have
been exposed to measles.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication is made from human blood. Even though
the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special
manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get
infections from the medication (for example, viruses such as hepatitis).
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as blood type), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab tests (such as IgG levels, kidney function) should
be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. Depending on the
manufacturing date, this medication may also be stored at room temperature
for up to 3 months if needed. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or
your pharmacist for other storage details. If the medication is stored at
room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.