Has anyone in your family or friend undergone a major surgery, especially an organ transplant like a kidney or liver? After such a surgery, we are all very concerned about the well-being of that person, right? After the surgery is successful, the body's immune system has to be weakened a little until the new organ gets used to the body. Because of this, we can easily develop various infections that we normally do not get. Today we are talking about a special medicine that is given for protection at such times.
What is CMV-IGIV? What does it actually do?
Simply put, it's called Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin , or CMV-IGIV for short. It's a shot that's given intravenously.
Think of our immune system as an army protecting a country. After an organ transplant, we have silenced our own army for fear that it will attack the new organ. At this point, foreign enemies, such as viruses and bacteria, can easily enter.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a serious virus that can take advantage of such situations. It may not cause much harm to a healthy person, but it can be dangerous for someone with a weak immune system.
That's when this special drug called CMV-IGIV comes to the rescue. It's made from antibodies found in healthy human blood that are specifically trained to fight the CMV virus. It's like bringing in a special force trained to fight the CMV virus when our own army is weak. This drug provides your body with great protection against CMV infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
This is very important. Your doctor will want to know your complete health history before giving you this treatment. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Health conditions you should report | To put it simply, why... |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Some of the ingredients in this medicine (e.g. sugars) may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Kidney Disease | This medication can sometimes affect kidney function, so special care should be taken if you already have kidney disease. |
| Decreased levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood | IgA is a type of antibody. People with low levels of this antibody can have severe allergic reactions to this medicine. |
| Allergies of any kind | Be sure to tell us if you have previously had allergies to medications made from human blood, albumin, sucrose, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should be used with great caution during pregnancy, so it is essential to inform your doctor about this. |
| If the baby is breastfed | You should talk to your doctor about whether parts of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given as an infusion into a vein by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic . So there is nothing to worry about. They will take good care of you.
Important: If you are giving this medicine to a child, special care may be needed, so discuss this with your child's doctor.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, inform the medical staff immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice on any poisoning. In case of an emergency, you should immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Constant monitoring: Doctors and nurses will be constantly monitoring your condition while you are taking this medicine. So if you notice anything unusual, tell them right away.
- Blood product: As mentioned earlier, this medicine is made from the blood plasma of healthy people. The donors and the blood are subjected to rigorous testing and a number of processes to remove viruses. However, there is a very rare risk of transmitting an infection. Don't be afraid of this, and talk openly with your doctor about the benefits and possible risks of taking this medicine.
- Other vaccines: While using this medicine, you should avoid getting live virus vaccines , such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). This is because the antibodies your body makes from CMV-IGIV may react with the weakened viruses in these vaccines and interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor that you are taking CMV-IGIV before you receive any other vaccine.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are usually not serious. Let's break them down.
| Symptoms that you should report to your doctor or nurse immediately: | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Pain | Severe pain in the back or stomach. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain. |
| Kidney problems | Difficulty urinating, decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, chills, weakness, seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Flushing | Redness and burning sensation in the face or body. |
| Muscle pain | Muscle twitching, body aches. |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea or vomiting. |
This list may not include all possible side effects, so if you experience anything unusual that is not on this list, never hesitate to tell the medical staff.
Take-Home Message
- CMV-IGIV is a specific, life-saving treatment given to prevent severe CMV infections that can occur after organ transplants.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before undergoing this treatment.
- This medicine is given in a hospital and under medical supervision, so there is no need to be afraid of it.
- If you experience any serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe allergies, or changes in urination while taking the medicine, inform the medical staff immediately.
- It is very important to talk to your doctor about other medications, vitamins, and especially other vaccines you are taking.
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