Examples
|
| immune serum globulin | GamaSTAN, Gammar-P |
The hepatitis A IG is given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular
injection).
How It Works
Immunoglobulin (IG) contains
antibodies that destroy the hepatitis A virus (HAV),
preventing infection.
Why It Is Used
IG should be given to unvaccinated people at risk of infection with
HAV, including:
- Household and sexual contacts of people
diagnosed with hepatitis A.
- Travelers visiting foreign countries
where hepatitis A is a known problem or where sanitary conditions are
questionable. More doses of IG are needed every 3 to 5 months. If you frequently travel to or plan to stay for longer than 3 months in a country
where hepatitis A is a problem, it is recommended that you receive the
hepatitis A vaccine(What is a PDF document?).
- All staff and residents of child care centers,
hospitals, residences for the developmentally disabled, prisons, or food
service settings where an outbreak of hepatitis A occurs.
- People
who need protection against HAV infection but are allergic to the
vaccine.
- Children younger than age 1 who need to be protected
against HAV infection.
How Well It Works
If given within 2 weeks of exposure to the virus, immunoglobulin
(IG) is more than 85% effective in preventing hepatitis A virus (HAV)
infection.1
Immunoglobulin has been effective in controlling some outbreaks
of HAV.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Soreness and swelling around the injection
site.
- Low-grade fever.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Immunoglobulin (IG) is a safe, inexpensive, and effective means of
preventing the spread of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection.
The sooner you get a shot of IG after being exposed to HAV, the
greater the likelihood that infection will be prevented.
IG protection is only temporary, lasting about 3 months. If you are
planning to stay longer than 3 months in an area where hepatitis A is a
problem, you should receive a higher initial dose of IG. You should
receive the same higher dose of IG every 3 to 5 months while you are still at
risk. Or you could get the
hepatitis A vaccine and then would not need to get hepatitis A IG.
IG is prepared from blood products obtained from paid donors. In
the United States, no cases of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) through IG have been reported. The safety of
IG prepared in countries other than the U.S. cannot be guaranteed.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2006). Hepatitis A. In
LK Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th ed., pp. 326–335. Elk Grove
Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | August 30, 2012 |
|---|