Immune Globulin (Intramuscular)

(i MYUN GLOB yoo lin, IN tra MUS kyoo ler)

U.S. Brand Names

BayGam® [DSC]; GammaSTAN™ S/D

Canadian Brand Names

BayGam®

Pharmacologic Category

Immune Globulin

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, that can cause disease. Although immune globulin is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to immune globulin, thimerosal, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: A bleeding or blood clotting disorder, IgA deficiency, or a low level of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia).

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or reduce the severity of infection by hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox (varicella), and rubella.

• This medicine is used to prevent or reduce the severity of other infections in persons with a weakened immune system.

How does it work?

• Immune globulin helps the body develop antibodies and protect against infection.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Talk with healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Irritation where the shot is given.

• Hives.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 13:12:25.0

Modified: 2008-02-08 14:52:27.0

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