Type of medicine: immune serum globulin
Generic and brand names: immune globulin, IM; immune globulin, IV; Carimune NF; Flebogamma; GamaSTAN S/D; Gammagard S/D; Gamunex; Gamunex-C; Gammaplex; IGIV; IGIM; Octagam; Privigen
This medicine is given by injection (shot) or IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to:
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had a long period of bed rest or such as after major surgery or a broken bone in a cast.
Females of childbearing age: Tell 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 receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These injections are given by your healthcare provider. They may be given while you are in a hospital or clinic.
You may need to have more than one injection over a period of time. Be sure to have the recommended number of shots on schedule.
You may feel tenderness, pain, or muscle stiffness where you had the shot. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms do not improve after several hours.
You will need to have lab 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 interfere with your response to live-virus vaccines (for several months after you receive this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. Do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may cause serious kidney problems. Signs of kidney problems include urinating less often, unexplained bloating or swelling, sudden weight gain, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms while being treated with this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect blood sugar test results. Talk to your healthcare provider before you change your diet or dosage of diabetes 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 are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; fever; chills; nausea; vomiting; chest tightness; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Problems urinating or urinating less often; unusual bleeding or bruising; unexplained stiff neck; severe headache; shortness of breath; chest pain; rapid heartbeat; painful eye movements or sensitivity to light; unusual tiredness or weakness; lower back or side pain; pinpoint red spots on the skin; dark urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes; swelling in hands, ankles, or feet, or any unexplained swelling; sudden weight gain; unexplained leg pain or swelling; severe nausea or vomiting; unexplained fever; blue lips, fingers, or feet; numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body; trouble talking or walking.
Other: Tenderness, pain, or redness where the shot was given; headache; joint or muscle pain; tiredness; flushing; sweating; stomach cramps; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; trouble sleeping; stuffy nose; cough; dizziness.
Many other medicines may cause kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines.
Check with your healthcare provider before having any live-virus vaccinations (such as shots for measles, mumps, and rubella). This medicine may interfere with your response to vaccines for up to 6 months or longer after receiving this medicine.
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.
