Varicella-zoster immune globulin (By injection)

Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (var-i-SEL-a-ZOS-ter i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin)

Prevents infection with chickenpox.

Brand Name(s):

Varizig

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to human immune globulin, or if you have immunoglobulin A deficiency, have had a varicella infection, or have received a varicella vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into 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.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine.
Live virus vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) should not be given within 3 months after receiving this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, bleeding or blood clotting problems, or if you have any illness that weakens your immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, cancer, or an infection.
Blood clotting problems may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, trouble seeing or speaking, sudden or severe headache, or numbness or weakness in your arm, leg, or one side of your body.
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.

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
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Pain in your lower leg (calf)
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

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

Fever, chills, nausea
Headache
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or lump under your skin where the shot was given
Skin rash
Tiredness

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