Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin Injection

What is this medication?

VARICELLA-ZOSTER IMMUNE GLOBULIN (var uh SEL uh - ZOS ter i MYOON GLOB yoo lin) reduces the risk of infections caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is still possible to get varicella-zoster virus (chicken pox) after receiving this medication, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): VARIZIG, VARIZIG Powder

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• History of blood clots
• IgA deficiency
• Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to varicella-zoster immune globulin, other immune globulins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Live virus vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication is made from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medication, but no cases have been reported. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team if you have received this medication within the last 3 months. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your care team to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.