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varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG)
Indications:
1) passive immunization of susceptible immunodeficient patients after exposure to varicella
2) most effective if begun within 96 hours of exposure
3) VZIG supplies are limited, thus administration is limited to the following:
a) one of the following conditions
1] *malignant neoplasm
2] congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
3] immunosuppressive therapy
4] *newborn of a mother who had chicken pox within 5 days pre-delivery or within 48 hours post-delivery
5] premature infant (< 28 weeks)
b) *one of the following types of exposure
1] continuous household contact
2] playmate contact (> 1 hour play indoors)
3] hospital contact
- *same room 2-4 bed, adjacent beds in large ward
4] susceptible to varicella-zoster
Contraindications:
1) not for prophylactic use in immunodeficient patients with history of varicella unless patient's condition is associated with bone marrow transplantation
2) immunocompetent individuals
Not indicated for treatment of chicken pox or Herpes zoster.
pregnancy-category C
safety in lactation ?
Dosage:
- 12.5 units/kg IM in large muscle (gluteal) up to max 625 units
Do not administer IV.
Vials: 125 units.
Pharmacokinetics: elimination: liver
Adverse effects:
1) most common (1-10%)
- pain, redness & swelling at site of injection
2) uncommon (< 1%)
- GI symptoms, malaise, headache, rash, respiratory symptoms, angioedema, anaphylactic shock
Drug interactions:
- do not administer within 3 months of live virus vaccines
Related
Varicella [Herpes] zoster virus (VZV); human herpesvirus 3 (HHV3)
Specific
VariZig
General
immune globulin (Gamastan, Gamimune N, Gammagard, Gammar, Sandoglobulin, Venoglobulin-I, Venoglobulin-S, ISG, Vivaglobulin, Gamunex, Privigen, Gammaplex, Flebogamma, Gammaked, Bivigam, Carimune, Hizentra)
References
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA National Formulary