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Vaccinia Immune Globulin Injection

What is this medication?

VACCINIA IMMUNE GLOBULIN (vax IN ee ah im YOON GLOB yoo lin) treats infections caused by vaccinia (smallpox). It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off an infection.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): CNJ-016

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

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

  • Blood clots
  • Dehydration
  • Diabetes (high blood sugar)
  • Heart disease
  • IgA deficiency
  • Isolated vaccinia keratitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Recent or upcoming vaccine
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to vaccinia immune globulin (VIG), human immunoglobulin products, sucrose, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by a 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 given to children as young as 16 years 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?

  • Some 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.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

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

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need a vaccine, 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.

This medication is made from human blood. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication can interfere with certain blood glucose monitoring devices. Talk with your care team to verify your glucose monitor works as it should with this medication.

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
  • Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion
  • Hemolytic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Lung injury—shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cough, spitting up blood, chest pain, fever

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

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tremors or shaking

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.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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