Generic Name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin (sink-TEE-ahl)
Brand Name: RespiGam
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin is used for:
Preventing serious lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children younger than 24 months of age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease) or a history of premature birth. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin is an immune globulin. It works by temporarily increasing the body's immunity to the virus. The medicine begins to work quickly but only lasts a short period of time (1 week to 3 months).
Do NOT use Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin
- you have a deficiency of immune globulin A
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin:
Some medical conditions may interact with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have congenital heart disease or kidney problems or if your blood volume is too high
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin. However, no specific interactions with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin are known at this time.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin:
Use Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
- If Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin.
Important safety information:
- You should continue to receive monthly doses of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin for the duration of the RSV season.
- If you receive a live vaccine (eg, mumps, measles, rubella) while using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin or within 10 months after you stop using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, you may need to be re-vaccinated. For other types of vaccines, you may need a booster dose 3 to 4 months after you stop using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the timing of vaccinations while using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin.
- Protection from Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin will begin quickly, but last only a short period of time (1 to 3 months).
- Local reactions to the injection may occur (such as tenderness, pain, hives, and swelling). Apply a warm compress to the area. If symptoms persist, contact your health care provider.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Fever; irritation at injection site; vomiting; wheezing.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breathing problems; decrease in amount of urine; drowsiness; fever; muscle rigidity; nausea; painful eye movements; sensitivity to sunlight; severe headache; vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin:Store between 36 degrees and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Do not shake the vial. Keep Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin resources
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Side Effects (in more detail)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Drug Interactions
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin - Add your own review/rating
- Respigam injectable Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Respigam Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin with other medications
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus