Octagam
Generic name:immune globulin (IGIV) (intravenous) [ im-MYOON-GLOB-yoo-lin ]
Brand names: Asceniv, Bivigam, Carimune, Flebogamma, Gammagard,
... show all 10 brands
Drug class:Immune globulins
What is Octagam?
Octagam is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection from various diseases.
Octagam 5% is used to treat primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI).
Octagam 10% is used to chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and dermatomyositis (DM) in adults.
Octagam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Octagam can cause blood clots. A blood clot may be more likely if you have risk factors such as heart disease, blood circulation problems, estrogen use, a history of blood clots, if you are 65 years or older, if you have been bed-ridden, or if you are using a catheter.
Stop using Octagam and call your doctor at once if you have:
signs of a blood clot in the brain -- sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
signs of a blood clot in the heart or lung -- chest pain, rapid heart rate, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
signs of a blood clot in your leg -- pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Octagam can also harm your kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease or if you also use certain other medicines. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a kidney problem, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urinating.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are using Octagam to help improve your blood flow and keep your kidneys working properly.
Before using Octagam
You should not use Octagam if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin, if you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA, or are allergic to corn.
Octagam can harm your kidneys or cause blood clots. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, blood circulation problems or a blood vessel disorder;
a history of stroke or blood clot;
if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);
kidney disease;
diabetes;
a serious infection called sepsis;
hyperproteinemia (too much protein in the blood);
paraproteinemia (abnormal proteins in the blood);
if you are dehy
