Normal Immunoglobulin (IM)
Presentation
Single vials containing 2 mls or 5 mls.
Both preparations contain 160mg/ml human plasma protein.
Indications for Use
- Congenital and acquired forms of primary hypogammaglobulinaemia.
- Secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia when there is a tendency to recurrent infection such as multiple myeloma, macroglobulinaemia, leukaemia, nephrosis, protein-losing enteropathy.
- Susceptible contacts of hepatitis A, measles and poliomyelitis. Hepatitis A vaccine is now available and is recommended for those at risk of exposure, such as persons travelling to areas of high or intermediate endemicity and staff at child day care centres. The vaccine can be given to travellers if the date of a departure is beyond 30 days of the date of vaccination.
Contraindications
Individuals with:
- IgA deficiency – unless they have no circulating anti IgA antibodies.
- Severe thrombycytopenia or coagulation disorder that would contraindicate IM injections.
Precautions
Administer by intramuscular injection.
MUST NOT be administered intravenously.
Care should be taken to draw back plunger of syringe before injection to be certain needle is not in a vessel.
Give with caution to patients with a history of prior systemic allergic reactions to human immunoglobulin preparations.
Normal immunoglobulin can prevent or modify the clinical disease in susceptible rubella contacts. It does not prevent viraemia in such patients, therefore, it should not be relied upon to prevent congenital malformation due to rubella if given to susceptible pregnant women during the first trimester.
Availability
CSL is the direct supplier for Normal Immunoglobulin in all states except NSW, where requests should be directed to ARCBS.
Emergency out-of-hours stock is held by ARCBS in NSW, VIC, WA, NT, ACT and TAS.
Dosage and Administration
Normal immunoglobulin should be given by deep intramuscular injection.
Dosage varies and is dependent on the clinical indication.
The product s does not contain antimicrobial preservative; it must be used immediately after opening the vial.
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information.