Varicella zoster immune globulin

Generic name: varicella zoster immune globulin [ VAR-i-SEL-a-ZOS-ter-im-MUNE-GLOB-ue-lin ]
Brand name: Varizig
Dosage form: intramuscular solution (125 intl units/1.2 mL)
Drug class: Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 17, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is varicella zoster immune globulin?

Varicella zoster immune globulin is used in adults and children with a weak immune system, pregnant women, and babies (including newborn or premature infants) who could become severely ill after exposure to varicella zoster virus.

Varicella zoster immune globulin is used in people who have come into contact with varicella virus. varicella zoster immune globulin can help keep symptoms of the virus from becoming severe or life-threatening.

This medicine will not treat an infection that has already developed in the body.

Your doctor will make sure varicella zoster immune globulin is the right treatment for you.

Varicella zoster immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Varicella zoster immune globulin side effects

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

Some side effects may occur after the injection. You will be watched for a short time to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if there is a reaction.

Varicella zoster immune globulin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe nausea or vomiting;

• signs of a blood clot in the brain--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot in the heart or lung--chest pain, rapid heart rate, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• signs of a blood clot in your leg--pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or

• signs of a new infection--fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, pain when swallowing.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of varicella zoster immune globulin may include:

• headache; or

• pain where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with varicella zoster immune globulin if:

• you have had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin; or

• you have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency; or

• known IgA antibodies in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• low blood platelets

• blood circulation problems;

• if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine;

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction;

• a history of stroke or blood clot; or

• a condition that makes you unable to move as normal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor should determine whether you need this medicine. Having chickenpox during pregnancy may cause complications or medical problems in the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Varicella zoster immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How is varicella zoster immune globulin given?

Varicella zoster immune globulin is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Your dose may need to be injected in more than one place in your body.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Varicella zoster immune globulin should be given as soon as possible (within 96 hours) after you have been exposed to varicella zoster virus.

This medicine is usually given only once. However, in some cases your doctor may recommend a second dose, especially if you are re-exposed to varicella zoster virus more than 3 weeks after your injection.

Varicella zoster immune globulin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster:

Dosing is weight based:

2 kg or less: 62.5 international units intramuscularly
2.1 to 10 kg: 125 international units intramuscularly
10.1 to 20 kg: 250 international units intramuscularly
20.1 to 30 kg: 375 international units intramuscularly
30.1 to 40 kg: 500 international units intramuscularly
40.1 kg or more: 625 international units intramuscularly

Minimum dose: 62.5 international units
Maximum dose: 625 international units
-Consider a second full dose for high risk patients with additional varicella exposures greater than 3 weeks after initial dosing.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster:

Dosing is weight based:

2 kg or less: 62.5 international units intramuscularly
2.1 to 10 kg: 125 international units intramuscularly
10.1 to 20 kg: 250 international units intramuscularly
20.1 to 30 kg: 375 international units intramuscularly
30.1 to 40 kg: 500 international units intramuscularly
40.1 kg or more: 625 international units intramuscularly

Minimum dose: 62.5 international units
Maximum dose: 625 international units
-Consider a second full dose for high risk patients with additional varicella exposures greater than 3 weeks after initial dosing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since varicella zoster immune globulin is usually given only once, you are not likely to miss a dose. Call your doctor if you do not receive all recommended doses.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine for at least 3 months after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin. The vaccine may not work as well after receiving varicella zoster immune globulin. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect varicella zoster immune globulin?

Other drugs may affect varicella zoster immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Varicella zoster immune globulin Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for varicella zoster immune globulin.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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