Details for: GAMUNEX
Company: GRIFOLS THERAPEUTICS LLC
| DIN | DIN name | Active Ingredient(s) | Strength | Dosage Form | Route of Administration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02247724 | GAMUNEX | IMMUNOGLOBULIN (HUMAN) | 10 G / 100 ML | SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS |
| 02247724 | GAMUNEX | IMMUNOGLOBULIN (HUMAN) | 10 G / 100 ML | SOLUTION | SUBCUTANEOUS |
Summary Reports
Consumer Information
This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.
What the medication is used for
- Primary Immune Deficiency
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Pediatric HIV Infection
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Moderate to severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in adults
What it does
- Immunoprotection: can help prevent infections by playing a protective role in diseases where patients suffer from poorly functioning immune systems
- Immunomodulation: can help to raise platelets in the blood to prevent bleeding in patients who have immune systems that are not working well
- Can improve the function of nerves and muscles in patients with CIDP or GBS. This may be achieved via a variety of different mechanisms and is not completely understood
When it should not be used
GAMUNEX® is contraindicated in individuals with known severe allergic reaction or severe system response to Immune Globulin (Human).
What the medicinal ingredient is
Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10%
What the non-medicinal ingredients are
Glycine
What dosage form it comes in
Intravenous solution (GAMUNEX® can also be administred subcutaneously for some conditions).
Warnings and precautions
Serious Warnings and Precautions
- Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with kidney failure. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have some kind of kidney disease, diabetes, are over 65, seriously dehydrated, have other diseases (called sepsis and paraproteinemia), or are taking drugs that you were told could damage your kidneys.
- GAMUNEX® and other Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with the premature destruction of red blood cells, a condition known as hemolytic anemia. Speak with your healthcare professional if you are taking antibiotics, have received a kidney transplant or blood transfusions, or you have a history of blood disorders.
- Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with heart and blood circulation problems such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots (thrombosis). You should talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for these kinds of conditions. Some of these risk factors include obesity, old age, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease. Thrombosis may occur even in the absence of known risk factor.
BEFORE you use GAMUNEX® talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
- have previously been advised that you have Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency
- have a history of allergic or other adverse reactions to immune globulins
- have a kidney disease
GAMUNEX® has not been studied in pregnant women or animals, and as such it is not known whether GAMUNEX® can cause harm to the fetus when given to a pregnant woman. GAMUNEX® should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Interactions with this medication
Drugs that may interact with GAMUNEX® include:
- Antibodies in GAMUNEX® may interfere with the response to live viral vaccines such as measles, mumps and rubella. Therefore, use of such vaccines should be deferred until approximately 6 months after GAMUNEX® administration.
- Do not dilute with saline. If dilution is required, GAMUNEX® may be diluted with 5% dextrose in water (D5W).
- GAMUNEX® and Heparin should not be administered simultaneously through the same tubing due to incompatibilities between these products. No other drug interactions or compatibilities have been evaluated.
See also ABOUT THIS MEDICATION: When it should not be used, and SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM.
Proper use of this medication
Usual Dose
Your doctor will determine the dose(s) of GAMUNEX® that you are to receive. Your doctor or nurse will give you GAMUNEX® as an infusion, that is, an injection given slowly in the vein. Alternatively, some conditions can be treated by having patients self-administer GAMUNEX® in their own home, with injections under the skin (subcutaneous injections). If you are receiving GAMUNEX® infusions at home, rather than a hospital or clinic, or if you are self-administering GAMUNEX® with subcutaneous injections, be sure to closely follow all instructions from your doctor.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to fluid overload and hyperviscosity, particularly in the elderly and in patients with renal impairment.
Missed Dose
Not applicable
Stopped Treatment
Not applicable
Side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist only if severe | Talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist in all cases |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | ✔ | |
| Vomiting | ✔ | |
| Nausea | ✔ | |
| Fever | ✔ | |
| Rash | ✔ | |
| Back Pain | ✔ | |
| Generalized Weakness | ✔ | |
| Joint pain | ✔ | |
| Itching | ✔ | |
| Dizziness | ✔ | |
| Difficulty breathing | ✔ | |
| Cough | ✔ | |
| Sore throat | ✔ |
Aseptic meningitis and hemolytic anemia have been reported to occur infrequently in association with IGIV treatment. Signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis may include severe headache and/or a stiff neck. Signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemia may include severe generalized weakness, lightheadedness, dark urine, jaundice and/or pale complexion. Please contact your health care provider if you experience these signs or symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking GAMUNEX®, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store
GAMUNEX® may be stored for 36 months at 2-8°C (36-46°F), AND product may be stored at temperatures not to exceed 25°C (77°F) for up to 6 months anytime during the 36 month shelf life, after which the product must be immediately used or discarded. Do not freeze. Do not use after expiration date.
Reporting side effects
To monitor drug safety, Health Canada through the Canada Vigilance Program collects information on serious and unexpected side effects of drugs. If you suspect you have had a serious or unexpected reaction to this drug you may notify Canada Vigilance:
| By toll-free telephone: | 866-234-2345 |
| By toll-free fax: | 866-678-6789 |
| Online: | www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffec |
| By email: | CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca |
| By regular mail: | Canada Vigilance National Office Marketed Health Products Safety and Effectiveness Information Bureau Marketed Health Products Directorate Health Products and Food Branch Health Canada Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C Ottawa ON K1A 0K9 |
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of the side effect, please contact your health care provider before notifying Canada Vigilance. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice..
More information
This document, plus the full product monograph prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting Grifols Canada Ltd., at 1-866-482-5226.
This leaflet was prepared by:
Grifols Therapeutics Inc. (Manufacturer)
8368 US 70 Bus. Hwy West
Clayton, NC 27520
Grifols Canada Ltd. (Importer and Distributor)
5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 405
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 5N5
Last revised: