Human normal immunoglobulin is a medicine that contains antibodies (blood proteins which help protect your body against infections).
This medicine is used to treat primary immunodeficiency (a group of inherited disorders that prevents the immune system from working properly which makes you more prone to infections) and secondary immunodeficiency (an acquired deficiency of antibodies due to specific diseases or treatments). It helps by correcting the lack of antibodies in your blood and raising the abnormally low immunoglobulin levels.
Human normal immunoglobulin may also be used to treat various conditions such as:
- idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (blood disorder caused by a decreased number of platelets leading to excessive bleeding, easy bruising and multiple tiny red or purplish spots on the skin or the insides of the mouth)
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves)
- Kawasaki disease (primarily in children characterised by high fever and swelling of lymph nodes)
- chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (a rare disorder characterised by nerve inflammation that leads to weakness and loss of sensation or paralysis)
- multifocal motor neuropathy (a rare nerve disorder characterised by slow progressive muscle weakness primarily of the arms and legs)
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Human normal immunoglobulin is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Human normal immunoglobulin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Human normal immunoglobulin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have immunoglobulin A or IgA deficiency (a condition wherein the body lacks a sufficient number of immunoglobulin A, a specific blood protein that fights infection) with confirmed antibodies against IgA as Human normal immunoglobulin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- current or history of blood clotting disorders
- thrombophilic disorders (conditions that increase your tendency to form blood clots)
- problems in blood flow due to thick or viscous blood
- diabetes
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test for antibodies against red blood cells), inform your doctor that you are using Human normal immunoglobulin.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. immunoglobulin levels, kidney function, blood platelet counts) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of blood clots, lung injury, allergic reactions, and infusion site reactions may also be needed.
Human normal immunoglobulin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, cough, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, and pain, redness, or swelling at the infusion site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of blood clots in the lungs e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- signs and symptoms of lung injury e.g. fever, chills, lightheadedness, severe breathing problems
- severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light
- pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking water pills or medicines for water retention (e.g. furosemide, bumetanide).
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment or within 6 months up to 1 year after treatment with Human normal immunoglobulin. Recommendations for the duration of avoiding the vaccination may depend on the type of vaccine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Alternatively, some products may be stored below 25°C. Do not freeze Human normal immunoglobulin otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Available products of this medicine may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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