Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (Human), Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immune serum globulin

Generic and brand names: varicella-zoster immune globulin (human), injection; VariZIG

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shot) to provide immunity to chickenpox. 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.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions such as:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or immunization
• bleeding disorders or blood clots
• diabetes
• immunoglobulin A deficiency
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• lung disease or breathing problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

These injections are given by your healthcare provider. They may be given while you are in the hospital.

You may need to have more than one injection over a period of time. Be sure to have the recommended number of shots on schedule.

What should I watch out for?

You may feel tenderness, pain, or muscle stiffness where you had the shot. This may last for several hours.

You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

This medicine is made from human tissue. It is tested for viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. The risk of getting an infection from this medicine is very low, but it is still possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; fever; chills; nausea; vomiting; chest tightness; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Problems urinating or urinating less often; unusual bleeding or bruising; shortness of breath; chest pain; rapid heartbeat.

Other: Tenderness, pain, or redness where the shot was given; headache; joint or muscle pain; tiredness; flushing; nausea; vomiting; trouble sleeping; low back pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Check with your healthcare provider before having any live-virus vaccinations (such as shots for measles, mumps, and rubella) within 3 months of this immunization. This medicine may interfere with your response to other vaccines.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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