WHAT IS IMMUNE GLOBULIN?
Immune globulin (IG) is a sterilized solution obtained from pooled
human blood plasma, which contains the immunoglobulins (or antibodies)
to protect against the infectious agents that cause various diseases.
Antibodies are substances in the blood plasma that fight infections.
Our bodies create antibodies (or immunity) against disease-causing
agents when infections occur. These antibodies can protect us
from becoming ill if we are exposed to the same infectious agents
sometime in the future. When someone is given IG, that person
is using other people's antibodies to help fight off or prevent
an illness from occurring. This protection is temporary and should
not be confused with getting an immunization, which provides longer-term
protection. Special IG formulations are produced from donors with
high levels of antibodies against hepatitis B (Hepatitis B Immune
Globulin-HBIG), rabies (Rabies Immune Globulin-RIG), tetanus (Tetanus
Immune Globulin-TIG) and varicella (chickenpox) (Varicella Zoster
Immune Globulin-VZIG). Immune globulins are sometimes called gamma
globulins or immune serum globulins.
SINCE IMMUNE GLOBULIN
IS MADE FROM BLOOD PLASMA, CAN I GET AIDS OR OTHER DISEASES FROM
IT?
Prior to use, each unit of IG is tested for evidence of the virus
that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis
B & C, and many other blood-borne viruses and bacteria. Units
that carry these viruses and/or bacteria are eliminated. In addition,
several chemical processes are used to sterilize the product to
eliminate other disease-causing germs. There is no evidence that
IG causes disease, despite several studies that have looked into
this. No cases of AIDS have been due to the receipt of IG. Immune
globulin administered in the United States is a very safe and
effective preventive against disease.
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE IMMUNE
GLOBULIN?
People exposed to or in danger of being exposed to certain infectious
diseases (i.e., hepatitis, measles, rabies, tetanus and varicella)
may be offered injections with the appropriate IG. IG recipients
should realize that, although the product is highly effective,
it is not 1 00% effective in preventing disease. Some individuals
may develop the infection they were exposed to in spite of having
received IG. That is why additional precautions may need to be
taken to further protect the person or others from disease. For
example, if you were exposed to hepatitis B, you would want to
avoid donating blood for six months after receiving IG in case
the IG wasn't effective in preventing the disease from occurring.
WHO SHOULD NOT
RECEIVE IMMUNE GLOBULIN?
IG should not be given to individuals who are known to have had
serious allergic reactions to thimerosal (for example, a generalized
body rash, difficulty breathing, and swollen lips), or other immune
globulins. Individuals with blood clotting disorders that would
prevent them from safely obtaining an injection and those with
IgA deficiency (a rare blood disorder) should not receive IG.
Shock-like reactions to intramuscularly administered IG are rare.
Recipients are encouraged to wait 20 minutes in the clinic after
the injection.
Because IG may interfere with development of good protection after measles, mumps, rubella or varicella vaccination, people who have received IG should not receive these vaccines for the next three months. If IG is given during the two-week period following an immunization against measles, mumps, rubella or varicella, the immunization should be repeated three months after the IG was received.
There is no known risk to the fetus from
passive immunization of pregnant women with immune globulin preparations.
HOW IS IMMUNE GLOBULIN
ADMINISTERED?
IG is given by injection into a muscle. The dosage and the site
for the injection vary according to the amount of IG required
and the size of the person (typically this is in the buttocks
for adults, and the leg or arm for children).
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS
OF IMMUNE GLOBULIN?
Local pain, tenderness, itching, and swelling at the injection
site is to be expected and typically goes away within a day. Non-prescription
medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen can be used to lessen
any discomfort.
If your blood is tested after receiving IG, it may show evidence
of the antibodies to various . diseases during the three months
after injection. Be sure to let any health care provider you see
in the next three months know you have received IG.
HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT
THE PROTECTION FROM IMMUNE GLOBULIN TO LAST
IG administered by injection persists in the body for several
months. The protective effect of the injection disappears after
approximately three months. If risk of exposure to disease continues
individuals may require additional IG.
Revised 12/12/01
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Elizabeth Rudy, R.Ph.
UWMC/HMC Drug Information CenterEmail--druginfo@u.washington.edu Page Last Revised: 11/08/02 http://depts.washington.edu/druginfo/Vaccine/HealthDept/ImmuneGlobulin.html