Octagam 10% 10gm/100ml Inj, 100ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
For proper storage and disposal, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best approach if you need to store this medication at home.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the next steps to take.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after your infusion, as directed by your healthcare provider. This helps reduce the risk of kidney problems.
- Report any unusual symptoms immediately to your nurse or doctor during or after the infusion.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Octagam 1gm/20ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 2.5gm/50ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 5% Inj, 5gm/100ml
- Octagam 10gm/200ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 20grams Inj, 200ml
- Octagam 30mg/300ml Inj 300ml
- Octagam 5gm/50ml Inj, 50ml
- Octagam 10% 10gm/100ml Inj, 100ml
- Octagam 10% 2gm/20ml Inj, 20ml
- Octagam 5% 2.5gm/50ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 5% 5gm/100ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 5% 10gm/200ml Inj, 200ml
- Octagam 10% 20g/200ml Inj, 1 Vial
- Octagam 10% 30mg/300ml Inj, 300ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of high or low blood pressure, such as:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Blue or gray discoloration of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes
Seizures
Bloating
Confusion
Swelling
Abnormal heartbeat
Mood changes
Muscle or joint pain
Changes in speech or eyesight
Shakiness
Excessive sweating
Severe stomach pain
Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes
Serious Lung Problems
This medication can cause severe lung problems, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Trouble breathing
Shortness of breath
New or worsening cough
Aseptic Meningitis
This medication may increase the risk of aseptic meningitis, a severe brain problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Headache
Fever
Chills
Nausea or vomiting
Stiff neck
Rash
Sensitivity to light
Feeling sleepy or confused
Immune Globulin Therapy
If you are receiving immune globulin therapy for the first time, have not had it in the past 8 weeks, or are switching brands, you may be at risk for certain side effects, including:
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Dehydration and Low Sodium Levels
This medication can cause dehydration and low sodium levels when given intravenously. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of dehydration, such as:
+ Dry skin, mouth, or eyes
+ Thirst
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Dizziness
+ Fast breathing
+ Confusion
Signs of low sodium levels, such as:
+ Headache
+ Trouble focusing
+ Memory problems
+ Feeling confused
+ Weakness
+ Seizures
+ Changes in balance
Other Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, but some may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor:
Irritation at the injection site
Dizziness, tiredness, or weakness
Headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Back pain
Muscle spasm
Signs of a common cold
Flushing
Cramps
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, or vomiting (signs of aseptic meningitis)
- Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood (signs of blood clot in lungs)
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg (signs of blood clot in a vein)
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (signs of stroke)
- Decreased urine output, swelling in your legs or feet, unexplained weight gain, dark urine (signs of kidney problems)
- Hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, or fainting (signs of a severe allergic reaction)
- Fever, chills, or shaking during or after the infusion
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have IgA deficiency or hyperprolinemia (elevated proline levels in your blood).
If you have excess fluid in your body or have been advised to monitor your fluid intake.
If you are unable to break down fructose, consult with your doctor, as some products contain sorbitol.
Special Considerations for Children:
* If your child is an infant or baby, and it is unclear whether they can break down sucrose or fructose, do not administer this medication without consulting your doctor.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health status. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Before receiving any vaccinations, consult with your doctor, as certain vaccines may not be effective or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this drug.
Regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations should be performed as directed by your doctor. Additionally, inform all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the results of certain lab tests.
If you have a weakened immune system and have been exposed to measles, consult with your doctor. It is also important to note that this medication is derived from human plasma and may potentially contain viruses that can cause disease. Although the product is thoroughly screened, tested, and treated to minimize the risk of infection, discuss this with your doctor.
If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult with your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain sodium. Furthermore, if you have diabetes (high blood sugar), discuss with your doctor which glucose tests are most suitable for you to use.
Individuals 65 years or older should exercise caution when using this medication, as they may be more susceptible to side effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Fluid overload (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling, headache)
- Increased blood viscosity (rare, but can exacerbate thrombosis risk)
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose or severe adverse reaction, stop the infusion immediately. Provide supportive care, manage symptoms (e.g., diuretics for fluid overload), and contact emergency services. Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, varicella): Antibodies in IGIV may interfere with the immune response to live attenuated virus vaccines. Vaccination should be deferred for at least 3 months after IGIV administration. For measles, the deferral period may be up to 11 months depending on the IGIV dose.
- Loop diuretics: May increase the risk of acute renal dysfunction, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or risk factors.
Moderate Interactions
- Nephrotoxic drugs: Concomitant use may increase the risk of acute renal dysfunction. Monitor renal function closely.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs: May increase risk of renal dysfunction in susceptible patients.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline renal status and identify patients at increased risk for acute renal failure.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To ensure adequate hydration, which is critical to prevent renal complications.
Timing: Prior to and during infusion
Rationale: To screen for IgA deficient patients who may develop anti-IgA antibodies and be at higher risk for severe allergic reactions.
Timing: Prior to first infusion (if not previously known)
Rationale: To assess baseline hematologic status, especially in conditions like ITP.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Before, during (at regular intervals, e.g., every 15-30 minutes for the first hour, then hourly), and after infusion.
Target: Within patient's normal limits; report significant changes.
Action Threshold: Significant changes (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, fever) warrant slowing or stopping infusion and assessing for adverse reactions.
Frequency: During and after infusion, especially in high-risk patients.
Target: Adequate for hydration status.
Action Threshold: Oliguria or anuria may indicate acute renal dysfunction.
Frequency: During and for several days following infusion.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: New onset of pain, swelling, discoloration of an extremity; chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological deficits.
Frequency: During and for several days following infusion.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Decreased urine output, edema, unexplained weight gain, dark urine.
Symptom Monitoring
- Headache (common, often infusion-related)
- Fever, chills, rigors (infusion reactions)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash, urticaria, pruritus (allergic reactions)
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing (cardiopulmonary reactions, anaphylaxis)
- Back pain, muscle aches
- Signs of thrombosis (e.g., pain, swelling, warmth, redness in an extremity; sudden chest pain, shortness of breath; sudden vision changes, slurred speech, weakness on one side)
- Signs of renal dysfunction (e.g., decreased urine output, swelling in legs/feet, fatigue, dark urine)
- Signs of aseptic meningitis (e.g., severe headache, nuchal rigidity, fever, photophobia, nausea, vomiting)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Octagam 10% should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta, particularly during the third trimester.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
L1 - Safest. Immune globulins are naturally present in breast milk and are not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. Breastfeeding is generally considered compatible with Octagam 10% use.
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and indication-specific. Pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, may be at increased risk for acute renal dysfunction and thrombosis, similar to adults with risk factors. Ensure adequate hydration and use the slowest practicable infusion rate.
Geriatric Use
Geriatric patients (age >65 years) are at increased risk for acute renal dysfunction and thrombotic events. Use with caution, ensure adequate hydration, and administer at the minimum concentration and slowest infusion rate practicable. Monitor renal function and signs of thrombosis closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always ensure adequate hydration of the patient prior to and during Octagam 10% infusion to minimize the risk of renal dysfunction.
- Start the infusion at the slowest recommended rate and gradually increase if tolerated, especially for the first infusion or in high-risk patients.
- Pre-medication with antihistamines or acetaminophen may be considered for patients with a history of infusion-related reactions.
- Monitor vital signs closely throughout the infusion and for a period afterward.
- Be vigilant for signs and symptoms of thrombosis (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, limb pain/swelling) and acute renal dysfunction (e.g., decreased urine output, elevated creatinine).
- Patients with IgA deficiency who have anti-IgA antibodies are at increased risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Octagam 10% contains trace amounts of IgA.
- Inform patients about the potential interference with live virus vaccines and advise them to discuss vaccination schedules with their healthcare provider.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) products (e.g., Gammagard, Privigen, Flebogamma, Gamunex-C)
- Subcutaneous Immune Globulin (SCIG) products (e.g., Hizentra, Cuvitru, Xembify, Gamunex-C SC)
- For specific indications: Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil for autoimmune conditions), plasma exchange, splenectomy (for ITP).