About varicella zoster immunoglobulin
Varicella-zoster immune globulin
Used for
- Prevents or reduces chickenpox after significant exposure in high-risk people without immunity.
- May be used after exposure in immunocompromised people, newborns, and pregnant people.
Usual adult dose
Dose is based on body weight and product instructions; give intramuscularly as soon as possible, ideally within 96 hours of exposure.
Usual dose in children
Dose is based on body weight and product instructions; give intramuscularly as soon as possible, ideally within 96 hours of exposure.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or tenderness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions, rarely severe
Important warnings
- For use after exposure, not routine chickenpox prevention.
- Do not inject intravenously.
- May interfere with live vaccines; timing may need adjustment.
- Use caution with severe reactions to human immunoglobulin or IgA deficiency.
Pregnancy
May be used after exposure when indicated; chickenpox can pose serious risks during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Not expected to pose a significant risk; seek clinical guidance for individual circumstances.
Interactions
- Live vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines, may work less well; delay as directed.
- Other antibody-containing products may affect timing or effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.