Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin, Human

Sera and Gamma Globulin · Immunoglobulin

Indications

Prophylaxis of varicella after exposure for children with negative history of varicella who are receiving immunosuppressive, cytostatic or radiotherapy or suffer from hereditary immunodeficiencies; immunocompromised adults; newborns of mothers who develop chicken pox within 5 days before and 2 days after delivery; premature infants whose mothers have negative histories of varicella; premature infants <28 wks of gestation or with a birth wt. of 1 kg or less. Adjuvant therapy of severe or complicated varicella-Zoster in immunocompromised patients or newborns at risk of dissemination.

Dosage

Prevention of chicken pox: 1 ml (25 IU)/kg body wt. In repeated exposure, e.g., household contact, higher doses are preferable. For post-exposure prophylaxis, administer as soon as possible and not later than 96 hrs after exposure. Treatment of Zoster infections: 1 mL-2 mL (25-50 IU)/kg body wt., with additional applications depending on the course of clinical manifestations.

Administration

Infuse via IV route at an initial rate of 0.1 mL/kg body wt./hr for 10 mins. If well tolerated, the rate of administration may gradually be increased to a max. of 1 mL/kg body wt./hr for the remainder of the infusion.

Adverse Effects

Headache, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, mild low back pain, low blood pressure, chills, fever. Thromboembolic reactions (very rare).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Precautions: Renal impairment. In all patients, administration requires adequate hydration prior to the initiation of the inf; monitoring of urine output; monitoring of serum creatinine levels, avoidance of concomitant use of loop diuretics.

Interactions

Live attenuated virus vaccines. Interference with serological testing.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: IgG and IgC-complexes are broken down in cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Bioavailability: 100%. Half-life elimination: 23 days. Vary from patient to patient.

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