Varicella zoster immune globulin

Varicella zoster immune globulin is used in adults and children with a weak immune system, pregnant women, and babies (including newborn or premature infants) who could get very sick after being exposed to the varicella zoster virus.

Varicella zoster immune globulin is used in people who have been in contact with the varicella virus. Varicella zoster immune globulin can help prevent symptoms of the virus from becoming severe or life-threatening.

This medicine will not treat an infection that has already occurred in the body.

Your doctor will ensure that varicella zoster immune globulin is the right treatment for you.

Varicella zoster immune globulin may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Varicella zoster immune globulin is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Your dose may need to be injected in more than one place in your body.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Varicella zoster immune globulin should be given as soon as possible (within 96 hours) after you have been exposed to varicella zoster virus.

This medicine is usually given only once. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend a second dose, especially if you are re-exposed to varicella zoster virus more than 3 weeks after your injection.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not be treated with varicella zoster immune globulin if:

• you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin; or
• you have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency; or
• known IgA antibodies in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• low blood platelets;
• blood circulation problems;
• if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine;
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction;
• a history of stroke or blood clot; or
• a condition that makes you unable to move as normal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor should determine whether you need this medicine. Having chickenpox during pregnancy may cause complications or medical problems in the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Varicella zoster immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

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

Some side effects may happen after the injection. You will be monitored for a short time to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if a reaction occurs.

Varicella zoster immune globulin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe nausea or vomiting;
• signs of a blood clot in the brain—sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the heart or lung—chest pain, rapid heart rate, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• signs of a blood clot in your leg—pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
• signs of a new infection—fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, pain when swallowing.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of varicella zoster immune globulin may include:

• headache; or
• pain where the medicine was injected.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster -- Prophylaxis:

Weight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single doseComments:-Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.-A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.-Caution is recommended when administering this drug to patients 65 years and older who are considered to be at increased risk of thrombotic events; recommended doses should not be exceeded, and this drug should be administered IM only.Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster -- Prophylaxis:

Weight up to 2 kg: 62.5 international units IM once as a single doseWeight 2.1 to 10 kg: 125 international units IM once as a single doseWeight 10.1 to 20 kg: 250 international units IM once as a single doseWeight 20.1 to 30 kg: 375 international units IM once as a single doseWeight 30.1 to 40 kg: 500 international units IM once as a single doseWeight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single doseComments:-Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.-A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Since varicella zoster immune globulin is usually given only once, you are unlikely to miss a dose. Call your doctor if you do not receive all recommended doses.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated quickly.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine for at least 3 months after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin. The vaccine may not work as well after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin. Live vaccines may include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), nasal flu vaccine, and others.

Other drugs may affect varicella zoster immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.