Vigam Liquid

What is it?

An i. v, immunoglobulin available as a solution in 3 strengths containing 2.5g, 5g and 10g of human normal immunoglobulin. Also, VIGAM S, available as a powder with diluent containing 2.5g and 5g of human normal immunoglobulin.

Medical Uses

Primary agammaglobulinaemia (absence of gammaglobulin in blood), hypogammaglobulinaemia (low levels of gammaglobulin in blood), other secondary immunodeficiency disorders - in children with AIDS, thrombocytopenia purpura (a bleeding disorder), Kawasaki disease, bone marrow transplants, GuillainBarre syndrome.

Dosage

Adults and children, primary immunodeficiency, a single dose of 400 to 800mg per kg of body weight by intravenous infusion then 200mg per kg every 3 weeks, secondary immunodeficiency, a single dose of 200 to 400mg per kg of body weight by intravenous infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. Kawasaki disease, 1.6 to 2g per kg of body weight as divided doses over 2 to 5 days. Thrombocytopenia purpura, 400mg per kg of body weight each day for 2 to 5 days. Bone marrow transplant, start with 500mg per kg of body weight every week. Guillain-Barre syndrome, 400mg per kg of body weight each day for 3 to 7 days.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes. Risk of anapyhlaxis during infusion - patient must be closely monitored for allergic reactions.

Avoid Use

Patients with antibodies toIgA with selective IgA deficiency.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Live vaccines.

Known Side Effects

Breathlessness, sweating, joint and back pains, headaches, fever, lack of oxygen in blood (cyanosis/ 'blueness'), aseptic meningitis syndrome, anaphylaxis, low blood pressure.