Immune globulin subcutaneous (Injection)

Introduction:

Immune Globulin (im-MYOON GLOB-yoo-lin)

Treats problems with your immune system. Helps prevent infections or make the infection less severe. Increases the amount of immune globulin in people who do not have enough in their bodies.

Brand Name(s):

Vivaglobin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This should not be injected into one of your veins.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Allow this medicine to reach room temperature before using it. Do not use the medicine if it has changed color or has particles in it. Do not shake the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines while you are receiving immune globulin. Some vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine is made from donated 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.
• Do not change the brand or type of your immune globulin unless your doctor tells you to. If you must change the brand or type, ask your doctor before giving yourself an injection.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood 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.
• Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Headache.
• Trouble breathing.

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

• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Nervousness.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Skin rash.

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