Immune globulin (intravenous and subcutaneous)
Generic name: immune globulin (intravenous and subcutaneous) [ im-MYOON-GLOB-yoo-lin ]
Brand names: Gammagard Liquid, Gammaked, Gamunex-C, Gammagard
Dosage form: injectable solution (10%)
Drug class:Immune globulins
What is immune globulin?
Immune globulin intravenous and subcutaneous (for injection into a vein or under the skin) is used to treat primary immunodeficiency.
Immune globulin is also used to increase platelets (blood clotting cells) in people with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Immune globulin is also used to treat certain debilitating nerve disorders that cause muscle weakness and can affect daily activities.
Immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
immune globulin can cause blood clots. The risk is highest in older adults or in people who have had blood clots, heart problems, or blood circulation problems. Blood clots are also more likely during long-term bedrest, while using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or while having a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.
Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, numbness or weakness, or swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.
This medicine can also harm your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease or if you also use certain medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of kidney problems, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urination.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if:
you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin or blood product; or
you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.
Immune globulin can cause blood clots or kidney problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";
a stroke or blood clot;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
an infection called sepsis;
if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
if you have been on long-term bedrest; or
if you have a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.
You may need a dose adjustment if you are exposed to measles, or if you travel to an a...
