Privigen

Generic name:immune globulin (IGIV) (intravenous) [ im-MYOON-GLOB-yoo-lin ]
Drug class:Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 1, 2021.

What is Privigen?

Privigen ) is a sterile solution made from human plasma. It contains antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection from various diseases.

Privigen is used as a replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI). This includes, but is not limited to congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.

Privigen is also used to treat patients aged 15 years and older with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to raise platelet counts.

Warnings

This medicine can cause blood clots. The risk is highest in older adults or in people who have had blood clots, heart problems, or blood circulation problems. Blood clots are also more likely during long-term bedrest, while using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or while having a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.

Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, numbness or weakness, or swelling and warmth or discoloration in an arm or leg.

This medicine can also harm your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease or you also use certain medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of kidney problems, such as swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urination.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use this medicine if:

• you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin or blood product;

• you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA; or

• you are allergic to corn.

Privigen can cause blood clots or kidney problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain conditions. To make sure Privigen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart problems, blood circulation problems, or "thick blood";

• a stroke or blood clot;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• an infection called sepsis;

• if you use estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy);

• if you have been on long-term bedrest; or

• if you have a central intravenous (IV) catheter in place.

You may need a dose adjustment if you are exposed to measles, or if you travel to an area where this disease is common.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Immune globulin is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduc...