Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 125 units; 625 units; 125 intl units/1.2 mL; 125 intl units

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster - Prophylaxis

Weight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single dose

Comments:

Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.
A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.
Caution is recommended when administering this drug to patients 65 years and older who are considered to be at increased risk of thrombotic events; recommended doses should not be exceeded, and this drug should be administered IM only.

Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster - Prophylaxis

Weight up to 2 kg: 62.5 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 2.1 to 10 kg: 125 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 10.1 to 20 kg: 250 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 20.1 to 30 kg: 375 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 30.1 to 40 kg: 500 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single dose

Comments:

Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.
A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.

Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Known to have anaphylactic or severe systemic (hypersensitivity) reactions to human immune globulin preparations
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies against IgA and history of hypersensitivity (may have an anaphylactic reaction)

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

For IM use only.
Administer this drug as soon as possible after varicella zoster virus (VZV) exposure, ideally within 96 hours for greatest efficacy.
Divide the IM dose and administer in 2 or more injection sites, depending on patient size; do not exceed 3 mL per injection site.
Inject into the deltoid muscle or the anterolateral aspects of the upper thigh.
Due to the risk of sciatic nerve injury, do not use the gluteal region as a routine injection site; if the gluteal region is used, only use the upper, outer quadrant.
To prevent transmission of infectious agents between patients, use a new disposable sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient.
Discard any unused portion; do not use this drug after expiration date.

Storage requirements:

Store at 2C to 8C (36F to 46F); do not freeze.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

Bring this drug to room temperature prior to use.
Inspect for particulate matter and discoloration before administration; do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particulates.

General:

High-risk groups include immunocompromised children and adults, neonates of mothers with varicella shortly before or after delivery, premature infants, neonates and infants younger than 1 year, adults without evidence of immunity, and pregnant women.
Use of this drug is intended to reduce the severity of varicella.
There is no convincing evidence that this drug reduces the incidence of chickenpox infection after VZV exposure or that established VZV infections can be modified by use of this drug.
There is no indication for the prophylactic use of this drug in immunodeficient children or adults when there is history of varicella, unless the patient is undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
Each vial of this drug contains a minimum potency of 125 international units in 1.2 mL.
This drug contains less than 40 mcg/mL of IgA.

Monitoring: