Varicella zoster immune globulin
Generic name: varicella zoster immune globulin [ VAR-i-SEL-a-ZOS-ter-im-MUNE-GLOB-ue-lin ]
Brand name: Varizig
Dosage forms: intramuscular powder for injection (125 intl units); intramuscular solution (125 intl units/1.2 mL)
Drug class:Immune globulins
What is varicella zoster immune globulin?
Varicella zoster (commonly known as chickenpox) is a common childhood disease that causes fever, skin rash, and a breakout of fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Chickenpox is usually mild, but it can be serious or even fatal in young infants, in adults, and in people who have a weak immune system. It can lead to severe skin infection, breathing problems, brain damage, or death.
When varicella zoster virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster (also called shingles) which causes painful blisters, skin infections, severe nerve pain, and hearing or vision problems that can last for months or years.
Chickenpox is spread from person to person through the air, or by coming into contact with the fluid from a chickenpox blister.
Varicella zoster immune globulin is used in adults, children, and babies (including newborn or premature infants) who could become severely ill from exposure to varicella zoster virus. varicella zoster immune globulin is also for use in pregnant women.
Varicella zoster immune globulin is used after exposure in people who have already come into contact with varicella virus. This medicine can help keep symptoms of the virus from becoming severe or life-threatening.
This medicine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Varicella zoster immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with varicella zoster immune globulin if:
you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin; or
you have immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.
Tell your doctor if you have recently received a "live" vaccine. The vaccine may not work as well shortly after you receive varicella zoster immune globulin. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
To make sure varicella ...
