Type of medicine: immune globulin
Generic and brand names: cytomegalovirus immune globulin (human), intravenous; CytoGam
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to prevent a viral infection called cytomegalovirus disease. This disease often follows kidney, liver, lung, or pancreas transplants.
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider about all of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you take.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The infusions will be given by your healthcare provider. The infusions are given over a period of time depending on your response and the side effects you may have.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine is made from human tissue. It is tested for viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. The risk of getting an infection from this medicine is very low, but it is still possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may cause serious kidney problems. Signs of kidney problems include urinating less often, unexplained bloating or swelling, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms while being treated with this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain, severe headache, dizziness, stiff neck, fever, chills, sensitivity to light, seizures, decreased urination, dark or bloody urine, loss of feeling or movement in any part of your body; trouble speaking, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme weakness, muscle or joint pain, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling in the legs or arms, or any unexplained swelling.
Other: Flushing, back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, wheezing.
This medicine may interfere with live virus vaccines if given within 3 months of each other. Do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
