Immune Globulin, Injection

Type of medicine: immune serum globulin

Generic and brand names: immune globulin, IM; immune globulin, IV; BayGam; Gamastan; Gamimune N; Gammagard S/D; Gammar-P I.V.; Gamulin Rh; IGIV; IGIM; Iveegam; Octagam; Panglobulin; Polygam S/D; Sandoglobulin; Venoglobulin-I; Venoglobulin-S

This medicine is given by injection (shot) to:

• help prevent or reduce the severity of hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox, or rubella infections
• protect people who have been exposed to someone with these diseases
• boost the immune system in people with immune system problems.

It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions such as:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or immunization
• bleeding disorders or blood clots
• diabetes
• heart disease
• kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care 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 health care provider's approval.

These injections are given by your health care provider. They may be given while you are in the hospital.

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. This may last for 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 health care provider about this.

This medicine may cause serious kidney problems. Signs of kidney problems include urinating less often, bloating, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms while being treated with this medicine, contact your health care provider right away.

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care 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 health care provider right away): Problems urinating or urinating less often; unusual bleeding or bruising; unexplained stiff neck; severe headache; sudden weight gain; shortness of breath; chest pain; rapid heartbeat; painful eye movements; unusual tiredness or weakness; black, bloody, or tarry stools; lower back or side pain; pinpoint red spots on the skin.

Other: Tenderness, pain, or redness where the shot was given; headache; joint pain; tiredness; leg cramps; flushing; sweating; stomach cramps.

Check with your health care provider before having any live-virus vaccinations (such as shots for measles, mumps, and rubella) within 3 months of this immunization. This medicine may interfere with your response to other vaccines.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care 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 health care 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.