Immune Globulin IM, IMIG, IGIM injection

What is immune globulin IM injection?
IMMUNE GLOBULIN IM (IMIG, IGIM, BayGam®) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain viral infections (hepatitis A, measles, varicella/chickenpox, or rubella). Immune globulin IM is given to people who have not been immunized against these infections, but have been exposed to someone with the disease. It also is used as replacement therapy in people whose body does not produce enough immune globulin. Immune globulin IM is a solution containing human antibodies or proteins that provides immunity within a few days of injection and lasts for about 2 months. The immunoglobulins are collected from the pooled blood of many individuals, then tested and treated to prevent the transmission of hepatitis virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS virus). Generic immune globulin injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use immune globulin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• agammaglobulinemia
• bleeding disorders
• blood disease
• immunoglobulin A deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to immune globulin, human immunoglobulin products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Immune globulin IM is only for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with immune globulin?

• live virus vaccines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving immune globulin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain or tightness
• decreased or difficulty passing urine
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
• hives, rash, or itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• backache
• chills
• dizziness
• fever
• flushing
• headache
• increased sweating
• leg cramps
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea, vomiting
• pain and tenderness at the injection site
• tiredness

What should I watch for while taking immune globulin?
Because this product is developed from pooled blood samples of many different donors, it is theoretically possible that viruses or bacteria could be transmitted in the product. Since 1985, however, all products are tested for HIV and hepatitis, and there have been no case reports of illnesses being caused from the use of this product. It is also possible, but unlikely, that the product could contain enough antibodies to HIV to cause a false-positive HIV test.

Do not have vaccinations for at least 14 days before, or until at least 3 months after receiving this immune globulin.

Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.