Immune globulin

What is immune globulin?

Immune globulin (also called IVIG, Gamunex^®) is a medicine used to help the body fight infection. It is a clear liquid given by vein (IV) or by infusion under the skin.

Possible side effects of immune globulin

Early

• Fever and chills
• Skin rash
• Mild chest, back, muscle, hip, or joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Allergic reaction with these symptoms: itching, redness of skin, severe chills, short of breath, low blood pressure, and pain in the chest, side, or back
• Headache

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

• Muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, plus skin rash ("serum sickness")

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for immune globulin

• Tell the nurse or doctor right away if you have fever, rash, pain, chills, or feel short of breath while you are receiving immune globulin.
• Immune globulin is given by IV over several hours, starting at a slow rate and gradually increasing the rate as long as you do not have side effects. If you have side effects, the rate may be slowed or the immune globulin may be stopped.
• A special form of immune globulin may also be given as an infusion under the skin (subcutaneous) over several hours one (1) time per week.
• If you have side effects with immune globulin, the doctor may give you medicine, such as Tylenol^® or Benadryl^®, to treat the side effects.