RespiGam

Generic name: respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin [ sink-TEE-ahl ]
Brand name: RespiGam

RespiGam is used for:

Preventing serious lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children younger than 24 months of age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease) or a history of premature birth. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

RespiGam is an immune globulin. It works by temporarily increasing the body's immunity to the virus. The medicine begins to work quickly but only lasts a short period of time (1 week to 3 months).

Do NOT use RespiGam if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in RespiGam
• you have a deficiency of immune globulin A

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using RespiGam:

Some medical conditions may interact with RespiGam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have congenital heart disease or kidney problems or if your blood volume is too high

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with RespiGam. However, no specific interactions with RespiGam are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if RespiGam may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use RespiGam:

Use RespiGam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• RespiGam is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using RespiGam at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If RespiGam contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of RespiGam, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use RespiGam.

Important safety information:

• You should continue to receive monthly doses of RespiGam for the duration of the RSV season.
• If you receive a live vaccine (eg, mumps, measles, rubella) while using RespiGam or within 10 months after you stop using RespiGam, you may need to be re-vaccinated. For other types of vaccines, you may need a booster dose 3 to 4 months after you stop using RespiGam. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the timing of vaccinations while using RespiGam.
• Protection from RespiGam will begin quickly, but last only a short period of time (1 to 3 months).
• Local reactions to the injection may occur (such as tenderness, pain, hives, and swelling). Apply a warm compress to the area. If symptoms persist, contact your health care provider.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if RespiGam can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking RespiGam, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using RespiGam during pregnancy. It is unknown if RespiGam is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using RespiGam, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of RespiGam:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Fever; irritation at injection site; vomiting; wheezing.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breathing problems; decrease in amount of urine; drowsiness; fever; muscle rigidity; nausea; painful eye movements; sensitivity to sunlight; severe headache; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of RespiGam:

Store between 36 degrees and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Do not shake the vial. Keep RespiGam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about RespiGam, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• RespiGam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about RespiGam. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer