Let's learn about the special vaccine given to the body's immune system (Immune Globulin Injection)

Has a doctor told you or someone in your family to get an Immune Globulin injection? You may have been a little nervous when you heard the name. It's normal for questions like "What is that medicine?" and "Is it safe?" to come to mind. Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this treatment in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

What is Immune Globulin?

Simply put, Immune Globulin is a collection of particles that are like 'soldiers' in our body that fight against diseases. We call these soldiers antibodies .

Imagine, when our body gets sick, it produces these antibodies to fight against it. But some people's bodies produce less of these antibodies. Or, due to certain diseases, the immune system is weakened. At such times, this medicine temporarily boosts the immune system by providing these 'soldiers' from outside.

This medicine is made from plasma obtained from blood donations from a large number of healthy people. That is, this medicine is produced by collecting, purifying, and concentrating the disease-fighting antibodies in the bodies of healthy people.

This treatment is mainly used for:

• Prevent infections or reduce their severity in people with immune system problems.
• Treat thrombocytopenia , a condition in which the number of blood platelets decreases.
• Treat a condition called Kawasaki syndrome that occurs in young children.

Things you need to tell your doctor before undergoing this treatment

Before giving you this treatment, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have diabetes.
• If you have been diagnosed with very low or no immune antibodies in your blood.
• If you have heart disease.
• If you have a history of blood clots.
• If you have a condition called hyperprolinemia.
• If you have a blood infection, such as sepsis .
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have recently received a vaccination or are scheduled to receive one in the future.
• If you have an allergic reaction to this Immune Globulin, to albumin, maltose, sucrose, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.

How is this treatment given?

This medicine is usually given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. This is because you need to be closely monitored during treatment.

There are several ways to give treatment:

1. Intravenous or IV infusion: This is the most commonly used method. A solution, like saline, is slowly given into the body through a vein.

2. Intramuscular or IM injection: Sometimes it is given as an injection into a muscle.

3. Subcutaneous infusion: Some types are slowly injected into the body under the skin.

Very rarely, patients are taught how to take certain types of medication at home. If that is the case, you will be given all the instructions about it. It is essential to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as the doctor tells you.

Things to be aware of about this medicine

Should we be afraid because it is made from blood?

This is a problem for many people because this medicine is made from human blood donations. But you don't need to worry unnecessarily about this.

Therefore, the risk of transmitting an infection is very low. However, be open about the benefits and risks of this treatment with your doctor.

Vaccines and Immune Globulin

This is also a very important point. If you are taking this Immune Globulin treatment, the effectiveness of some vaccines (especially live vaccines) may be reduced . Therefore, doctors usually advise:

• Do not receive vaccinations for 14 days before receiving Immune Globulin.
• Do not take certain vaccines for at least 3 months after taking Immune Globulin.

If you have to get any vaccinations, be sure to inform your doctor about them.

What are the possible side effects of the medicine?

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common. Let's break them down.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, call your doctor immediately.

What if I take too much medicine?

This treatment is usually given in a hospital setting, so the risk of overdose is low. However, if this happens or you suspect it, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Can there be problems with other medications?

Yes, some medications can interact with Immune Globulin. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, traditional, vitamins, herbal), especially if you are taking any of the following:

• Aspirin and similar medications
• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Cisplatin, Cyclosporine
• Some anti-infectives (e.g. Acyclovir, Gentamicin, Vancomycin)
• Pamidronate, Zoledronic acid
• Vaccines

Immune Globulin, Immunity, Antibodies, IVIG, Kawasaki syndrome, ITP, Sri Lanka