Cytomegalovirus immune globulin (Injection)

Introduction:

Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin, Human (sye-toe-MEG-a-loe-vye-rus im-MYOON GLOB-yoo-lin, HYOO-man)

Given after having a kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, or heart transplant. Helps to prevent or lessen the severity of illness caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a type of germ.

Brand Name(s):

CytoGam

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle or a catheter placed in one of your veins.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any medicines that may affect your kidneys.
• Talk to your doctor before getting live virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well if they are given within three months of using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you think you are pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, circulation problems, or other blood problems.
• This medicine is made from plasma taken from human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, or fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
• Dark or bloody urine, trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, or body aches.
• Loss of feeling or movement in any part of your body, or problems with vision or speech.
• Pain, burning, swelling, or skin changes in the area where the medicine is given.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Sudden or severe headache with or without a stiff neck, eye pain, fever, sleepiness, or eyes bothered by light.
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, pale or blue skin, or sudden weight gain.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Skin blisters, redness, rash, flushing, peeling, or bumps.
• Tremors or shaking.
• Muscle cramps, back pain, stomach or abdominal (belly) pain, or joint pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: