Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) (injectable)

While you are being treated with this medication, call your doctor right away if you have fever, chills, shaking, back pain, a change in the color of your urine or how much you urinate, sudden weight gain, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Do not receive live-virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, or chicken pox (also called MMR or Varivax) for at least 3 months after treatment with Rho(D) IG. These vaccines may not work properly during Rho(D) IG treatment and shortly afterward.

Rho(D) IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although Rho(D) IG is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

If you are an Rh-negative woman and you become pregnant, you must tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to Rh-positive blood in your lifetime. This includes exposure from a mismatched blood transfusion, or exposure during your first pregnancy. Your history of exposure and treatment will be extremely important to each and every one of your pregnancies.

Rho(D) immune globulin (Rho(D) IG) is a sterilized solution made from human blood. Rh is a substance that most people have in their blood (Rh positive) but some people don't (Rh negative). A person who is Rh negative can be exposed to Rh positive blood through a mismatched blood transfusion or during pregnancy when the baby has the opposite blood type. When this exposure happens, the Rh negative blood will respond by making antibodies that will try to destroy the Rh positive blood cells. This can cause medical problems such as anemia (loss of red blood cells), kidney failure, or shock.

Rho(D) IG is used to prevent an immune response to Rh positive blood in people with an Rh negative blood type. Rho(D) IG may also be used in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Rho(D) IG may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Before receiving Rho(D) IG, tell your doctor if you have:

• an allergy to human immune globulin;
• a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia); or
• immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive Rho(D) IG, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Rho(D) IG is used during and after pregnancy. This medication is not known to be harmful to a baby during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

If you are receiving this medication to treat a mismatched blood transfusion, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you ever plan to become pregnant.

If you are an Rh-negative woman and you become pregnant, you must tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to Rh-positive blood in your lifetime. This includes exposure from a mismatched blood transfusion, or exposure during your first pregnancy. Your history of exposure and treatment will be extremely important to each and every one of your pregnancies.

Rho(D) IG is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although Rho(D) IG is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Rho(D) IG is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. You will receive this injection while you are in a hospital or clinic.

For treatment during pregnancy, this medication is usually given at regular intervals during the last half of the pregnancy, and again after the baby is born.

For treatment of a mismatched blood transfusion, the medication is given when symptoms of an immune response appear (when the body starts making Rh antibodies).

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Contact your doctor if you have a missed a dose of Rho(D) IG. Try to keep all appointments so you do not miss a dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Do not receive live-virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, or chicken pox (also called MMR or Varivax) for at least 3 months after treatment with Rho(D) IG. These vaccines may not work properly during Rho(D) IG treatment and shortly afterward.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, or shaking;
• urinating less than normal;
• a change in color of your urine;
• sudden weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles;
• back pain; or
• shortness of breath.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• muscle aches or pains;
• headache;
• feeling tired or light-headed;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• pain or tenderness where the injection is given.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

There may be other drugs that can affect Rho(D) IG. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist has additional information about Rho(D) IG written for health professionals that you may read.

Rho(D) IG is available with a prescription under several brand names. Generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.