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This medication is used to provide protection (antibodies) against certain virus infections (hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox, rubella) in people who have not been vaccinated or have not had the infection before. It is also used to strengthen the body's natural defense system (immune system) to lower the risk of infection in persons with a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin deficiency). This medication is made from healthy human blood that has high levels of certain defensive substances (antibodies), which help fight infections. Routine vaccination is usually the best way to protect against infection. Talk with your doctor about a recommended vaccination schedule.
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Gammar IM
Uses
This medication is used to provide protection (antibodies) against certain virus infections (hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox, rubella) in people who have not been vaccinated or have not had the infection before. It is also used to strengthen the body's natural defense system (immune system) to lower the risk of infection in persons with a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin deficiency). This medication is made from healthy human blood that has high levels of certain defensive substances (antibodies), which help fight infections. Routine vaccination is usually the best way to protect against infection. Talk with your doctor about a recommended vaccination schedule.
Notes
- Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light.
- Do not freeze.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How
To Use - This medication is injected into a muscle by a health care professional.
- Do not inject this medication into a vein or under the skin.Follow all instructions for preparation and use.
- Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- Do not shake the medication.
- If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.The dosage and schedule of injections depends on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
- Large doses (more than 10 milliliters) should be divided into 2 or more injections and given at separate injection sites.This medication is given as soon as possible after you have had contact with (been exposed to) someone with hepatitis A, measles, chicken pox, or rubella.
- If you wait too long after being exposed, the medication may not be effective.
- Not everyone who is exposed to these infections should receive immunoglobulin.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.If you are traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common, this medication may be given along with the hepatitis A vaccine (in a separate injection).
- This medication will help protect you until your body can make antibodies from the vaccine.
- If you cannot use the hepatitis A vaccine, you may need to receive more doses of immune globulin if you are staying in the area for a long time (more than 3 months).
- Do not receive live virus vaccines (e.g., measles) at the same time as immune globulin.
- (See also Precautions section.) Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and a recommended vaccination schedule.If you are using this medication for an immune system problem, it is usually given every 3 to 4 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
- Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Keep all your medical/lab appointments.
Side
Effects - Muscle stiffness, redness, warmth, pain, and tenderness at the injection site may occur.
- Fever, chills, headache, and joint pain may also occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody/frothy urine, sudden weight gain.Rarely, this product may contain substances that could cause infections because it is made from human blood.
- Though the risk is very low due to careful screening of blood donors, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection such as persistent sore throat/fever, yellowing eyes/skin, or dark urine.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had a bad or allergic reaction to it; or to other immunoglobulin products (e.g., IVIG); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin A deficiency), bleeding/blood clotting problems (e.g., low platelets, hemophilia).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.Tell your doctor of any recent/planned vaccinations.
- This medication may prevent a good response to live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella).
- If you are vaccinated less than 14 days before receiving this medication or during the 6 months after receiving this medication, you may need to be vaccinated again or tested to see whether the vaccine was effective.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - Because this medication provides protection for only a limited time (1 to 3 months), additional doses may be necessary based on the situation.
- Discuss this with your doctor.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may harm the kidneys (e.g., aminoglycosides such as gentamicin).
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement 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. |
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