Immune Globulin

(i MYUN GLOB yoo lin)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause harm to your child's kidneys sometimes. Talk with your doctor.
• Immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This drug is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with your doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to immune globulin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: A bleeding or blood clotting problem or IgA deficiency.
• I.M.
• Not if your child has low platelet levels.
• Gammaplex®, Hizentra®:
• Not if your child has an allergy to polysorbate 80.
• Hizentra®, Privigen®:
• Not if your child has too much proline in his/her blood (hyperprolinemia).

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop or lower the harshness of other infections in people with a weak immune system.
• It is used to treat idiopathic thrombocytic purpura (ITP).
• It is used to stop problems having to do with Kawasaki disease.
• It is used to stop or lower the harshness of infection by hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox (varicella), and rubella.

How does this drug work?

• Immune globulin helps the body fight infection.
• It helps platelets live longer.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into a muscle, vein, or into the fatty part of the skin.
• SubQ:
• It is given as an infusion under the skin over a period of time.
• Your child's doctor may teach you how to give this drug.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It starts working as soon as it is given.

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

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before your child gets any vaccines. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of very bad infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• If your child has a blood clotting problem, talk with the doctor.
• If your child is dehydrated, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has had a stroke, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Headache.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Belly pain.
• Back pain.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• High blood pressure.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows any signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color or sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has swelling or pain in his/her leg or arm.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child has a seizure.
• If your child has neck stiffness.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Most of the time, this drug will be given to your child in a doctor's office. You will not store it at home.
• Hizentra®:
• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Gammagard® Liquid, Vivaglobin®:
• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.