Immune Globulin IM, (IMIG, IGIM)
Key points
- IMMUNE GLOBULIN IM (IMIG, IGIM, BayGam®) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain viral infections (hepatitis A, measles, varicella/chickenpox, or rubella).
- Immune globulin IM is only for injection into a muscle.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
- What should I watch for while taking immune globulin?
Immune Globulin IM, IMIG, IGIM injection
What is immune globulin IM injection? IMMUNE GLOBULIN IM (IMIG, IGIM, BayGam®) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain viral infections (hepatitis A, measles, varicella/chickenpox, or rubella). Immune globulin IM is given to people who have not been immunized against these infections, but have been exposed to someone with the disease. It also is used as replacement therapy in people whose body does not produce enough immune globulin. Immune globulin IM is a solution containing human antibodies or proteins that provides immunity within a few days of injection and lasts for about 2 months. The immunoglobulins are collected from the pooled blood of many individuals, then tested and treated to prevent the transmission of hepatitis virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS virus). Generic immune globulin injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use immune globulin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- agammaglobulinemia
- bleeding disorders
- blood disease
- immunoglobulin A deficiency
- an unusual or allergic reaction to immune globulin, human immunoglobulin products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Immune globulin IM is only for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with immune globulin?
- live virus vaccines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving immune globulin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- chest pain or tightness
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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