Drug Notes

Cytomegalovirus immune globulin (By injection)

Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin, Human (sye-toe-MEG-a-loe-vye-rus i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin HUE-man)

Helps prevent or lessen the severity of illness caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) after organ transplant.

Brand Name(s):

Cytogam

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle or a catheter placed in a vein.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cytomegalovirus immune globulin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that may affect your kidneys.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or blood circulation problems.
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.
• Talk to your doctor before you get live virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines may not work as well if they are given within 3 months of using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, pale or blue skin or nails
• Cloudy or bloody urine, decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Confusion, dizziness, seizures
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Pain in your lower leg (calf), problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your legs or feet
• Sudden or severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, eye pain or sensitivity to light, fever, drowsiness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Muscle cramps, back or joint pain, stomach pain
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Pain, burning, swelling, or skin changes in the area where the medicine is given
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017