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Brand Names: Cytogam

Generic Name: cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) (injectable) (Pronunciation: sye toe MEH gah loe vye rus ih MUNE GLAW byoo lin)

• What is CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• What are the possible side effects of CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• What is the most important information I should know about CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• How should I take CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cytogam)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cytogam)?
• What should I avoid while taking CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• What other drugs will affect CMV IG (Cytogam)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is CMV IG (Cytogam)?

Cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) is a sterilized solution obtained from pooled human blood. It contains the immunoglobulins (or antibodies) to protect against infection from cytomegalovirus. Antibodies are substances in the blood that fight infections.

CMV IG is used to help prevent infection by cytomegalovirus in people who receive an organ transplant.

CMV IG may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of CMV IG (Cytogam)?

CMV IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although CMV IG is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using CMV IG.

Treatment with immune globulin products such as CMV IG has been associated with the development of kidney problems, sometimes resulting in kidney failure and/or death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop decreased urination, sudden weight gain, fluid retention or swelling, or shortness of breath. These may be signs of kidney problems.

Rare cases of aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) have been associated with the use of immune globulin products such as CMV IG. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, eye sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, and nausea or vomiting. These may be signs of AMS. Stopping treatment with the immune globulin has resulted in resolution of AMS without any lasting problems.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to CMV IG.

Other less serious side effects may also occur. Upon injection of the medication, some patients experience the following side effects:

• flushing or sweating;
• wheezing;
• muscle cramps;
• joint pain;
• nausea or vomiting; or
• fever or chills.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about CMV IG (Cytogam)?

CMV IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although CMV IG is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using CMV IG.

Treatment with immune globulin products such as CMV IG has been associated with the development of kidney problems, sometimes resulting in kidney failure and/or death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop decreased urination, sudden weight gain, fluid retention or swelling, or shortness of breath. These may be signs of kidney problems.

Rare cases of aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) have been associated with the use of immune globulin products such as CMV IG. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, eye sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, and nausea or vomiting. These may be signs of AMS. Stopping treatment with the immune globulin has resulted in resolution of AMS without any lasting problems.