Varicella-zoster immune globulin (Intramuscular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin
• Varizig

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Immune Serum

Uses for varicella-zoster immune globulin

Varicella-zoster immune globulin is used to prevent exposure of varicella virus in high risk individuals, such as adults and children with weakened immune system, pregnant women, premature babies, and babies younger than 1 year of age.

Varicella-zoster immune globulin works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is called passive protection. This passive protection lasts long enough to protect your body until your body can produce its own antibodies against VZV.

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Chickenpox is usually a mild infection but sometimes it can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and a rare disease called Reye's syndrome.

Varicella-zoster immune globulin is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.

Before using varicella-zoster immune globulin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For varicella-zoster immune globulin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to varicella-zoster immune globulin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of varicella-zoster immune globulin in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of varicella-zoster immune globulin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have blood clotting problems which may require caution in patients receiving varicella-zoster immune globulin.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving varicella-zoster immune globulin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using varicella-zoster immune globulin with any of the following medicines may cause an increas...