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Brand Names: Carimune, Flebogamma, Gamimune N 10%, Gammagard, Gammagard S/D, Gammar-P I.V., Gamunex, Iveegam En, Octagam, Panglobulin NF, Polygam S/D, Privigen, Sandoglobulin

Generic Name: immune globulin (intravenous) (IGIV) (Pronunciation: im MYOON GLOB yoo lin)

• What is immune globulin (Gammagard)?
• What are the possible side effects of immune globulin?
• What is the most important information I should know about immune globulin?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using immune globulin?
• How is immune globulin given?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using immune globulin?
• What other drugs will affect immune globulin?
• Where can I get more information?

What is immune globulin (Gammagard)?

Immune globulin intravenous is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection from various diseases.

Immune globulin is used to treat primary immune deficiency, and to reduce the risk of infection in individuals with poorly functioning immune systems such as those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). IGIV is also used to increase platelets (blood clotting cells) in people with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to prevent aneurysm caused by a weakening of the main artery in the heart associated with Kawasaki syndrome.

Immune globulin is also used to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a debilitating nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and can affect daily activities.

Immune globulin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of immune globulin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• trouble breathing, blue lips;
• fever with headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions);
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• upset stomach, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• back pain, joint pain, minor chest pain;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about immune globulin?

Immune globulin can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when immune globulin is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before using immune globulin, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.

Before you use immune globulin intravenous, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes (especially if you use insulin), a history of stroke or blood clot, heart disease, high blood pressure, a condition called paraproteinemia, or if you are over 65 years old.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Using immune globulin can cause you to have unusual results with certain blood glucose tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using immune globulin.

Immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although immune globulin is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.