Cytogam (Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin Intravenous Human) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Cytogam

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

Read the Kidney Failure article »

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SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing, chills, muscle cramps, back/joint pain, fever, nausea/vomiting may occur. Tell your doctor or health care professional immediately if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, tell your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody/frothy urine, sudden weight gain.

This medication may rarely cause blood clots (such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are severely dehydrated, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, or if you are immobile (such as very long plane flights or bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, confusion.

Rarely, this product may contain substances that could cause infections because it is made from human blood. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection such as persistent sore throat/fever, yellowing eyes/skin, or dark urine.

Treatment with this medication may rarely cause an inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours to 2 days after your treatment. Get medical help right away if you develop severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, high fever, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or severe nausea/vomiting.

Lung problems may occur 1 to 6 hours after your treatment. You will be monitored closely for any lung problems after your treatment.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See Side Effects section.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had a bad reaction or an allergic reaction to it; or to other immunoglobulin products (e.g., IgG); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain immune system problems (immunoglobulin A deficiency, monoclonal gammopathies), diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fats (triglycerides), migraines, current blood infection (sepsis), kidney disease, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration).

Tell your doctor of any recent/planned vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to live viral vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, German measles). If you are vaccinated less than 14 days before receiving this medication or in the 6 months after receiving this medication, you may need to be revaccinated or tested to see whether the vaccine was effective.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.