RhO(D) Immune Globulin (Systemic)
   
RhO(D) Immune Globulin (Systemic)
US Brand Names
• BayRho-D Full Dose
• BayRho-D Mini-Dose
• MICRhoGAM
• RhoGAM
• WinRho SDF
Canadian Brand Names
• BayRho-D Full Dose
• WinRho SDF
Other commonly used names are anti-D gammaglobulin ; anti-D (Rh o) immunoglobulin; anti-Rh immunoglobulin; anti-Rh o(D); D(Rh o) immune globulin; RhD immune globulin; Rh immune globulin; Rh-IG; and Rh o(D) immune human globulin.
Description
Rho(D) immune globulin is used to prevent your body from interacting with any of your baby's blood that may get into your blood system while you are pregnant or during the delivery of your baby. If your blood type is Rho(D) negative and your baby's blood type is Rho(D) positive, your body may produce a defense (antibodies) against Rho(D) positive blood. These antibodies usually will not cause a problem if this is your first pregnancy, unless you have had a blood transfusion in the past and have already developed these antibodies. However, if you have other Rho(D) positive babies in the future, these antibodies may try to destroy the blood of the future babies. If this occurs, it is a very serious condition. Babies born with this condition may need to have their blood replaced.
Rho(D) immune globulin can be used to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura, a type of blood disorder. This medicine may be helpful to prevent excessive bleeding.
Rho(D) immune globulin may also be used if you have recently received a transfusion that contained Rho(D) positive blood and your blood type is Rho(D) negative.
Rho(D) immune globulin is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form:
Special Considerations
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Rho(D) immune globulin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Rho(D) immune globulin or any other kind of human immune globulin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals. However, this medicine has been used in pregnant women and has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems.
Breast-feeding
Rho(D) immune globulin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients and there is no specific information comparing use of Rho(D) immune globulin in children with use in other age groups.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Rho(D) immune globulin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiencies-Rho(D) immune globulin may cause an allergic reaction to occur
• Rho(D) positive patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP (a type of blood disorder)-Should be monitored for anemia and kidney problems
Administration
Dosing
The dose of Rho(D) immune globulin will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average dose of Rho(D) immune globulin.
• For injection dosage form:
o To prevent your body from producing antibodies against Rho(D) positive blood:
§ Adults and children-One or more injections, depending on how much Rho(D) positive blood has gotten into your blood system. The medicine may be used during your pregnancy, within 72 hours after your baby is born, at the end of an incomplete pregnancy (abortion, miscarriage), or after a transfusion. The medicine is usually injected into a muscle, although it may be injected into a vein.
o To help prevent excessive bleeding in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP (a type of blood disorder):
§ Adults and children-One or more injections, depending on factors in your blood. The medicine is injected into a vein.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Bloody urine; decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine; increased blood pressure; increased thirst; loss of appetite; lower back pain; nausea or vomiting; pale skin; swelling of face, fingers, or lower legs; troubled breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight gain.
The following side effects may occur and usually do not need medical attention. However, check with your doctor if either of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Fever; soreness at the place of injection.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
January 21, 2004 
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