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). 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 chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (a rare disorder characterised by nerve inflammation that leads to weakness and loss of sensation or paralysis).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Human normal immunoglobulin is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area) as an infusion.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Human normal immunoglobulin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Human normal immunoglobulin is available as a vial and a pre-filled syringe. Make sure you know how to use the device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
Human normal immunoglobulin must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
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.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
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.
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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