How Effective is Gammagard & What are Its Side Effects?

Gammagard may cause the clotting of the blood. You are more likely to have blood clotting if you have conditions like heart illnesses, issues with blood circulation, if you are above 65 years, estrogen use, have a blood clot history, when using a catheter or if you have been bed ridden.

Gammagard is an immune globulin intravenous (IGIV). It is a disinfected mixture created from human plasma. It restrains antibodies to keep your body safe from various infections.

Gammagard is effectively utilized in treatment of primary (PI) immunodeficiency, and to minimize the chances of infections in people with weak immune system like those suffering from chronic (CLL) lymphocytic leukemia. This medicine Gammagard is also effectively used to boost blood clotting cells (platelets) in patients suffering from Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and also to inhibit aneurysm brought by weak main artery within the heart connected to Kawasaki Syndrome.

Gammagard is also effectively utilized in treating chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a weakening nerve problem that leads to muscle weakness and can interfere with daily activities.

Stop Gammagard dose immediately and contact your physician if you have:

• Symptoms of blood clots within the brain, which includes vision and balance problem, unclear speech and abrupt weakness and numbness.
• Symptoms of blood clots within the lungs or heart, which includes fast heartbeat, wheezing, prompt coughs, coughing blood, fast breathing and chest pains.
• Symptoms of blood clots in your legs, such as warmth, swelling, pain or redness in either of the legs.
• Gammagard may also hurt your kidneys, more so if you are suffering from kidney disease or when you are taking other medications. Some drugs including over the counter prescriptions can harm your kidneys.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of kidney problems like rapid increase of weight, swelling and minimal or no urinating.
• Take a lot of water while taking Gammagard to keep your kidney safe as well as improve the flow of your blood.

Gammagard is shot into a vein via an IV. You will be taught how to use IV when at home. Never shoot the injection yourself if you dont understand how to use it properly and how to safely dispose the used IV tubing, needles and other things used during injection.

Gammagard injection should not be shot under the skin or in a muscle.

Gammagard is normally administered every 3 to 4 weeks. Your dosage plan may differ from others. Strictly adhere to all the guidelines on prescription label. Your physician may alter your dose to give the best result. Do not use gammagard longer than prescribed or in large quantities than instructed.

Never use gammagard if it contains particles in it or it has changed in color, and contact your pharmacist for new medicines. Dispose the left over medicine after injecting your dose.

The disposable needle should be used only once. Use a puncture proof container to dispose the used needles, your pharmacist can help on how to dispose it. And remember to keep the container away from pets and children.

You require regular blood tests when using gammagard. The functioning of your kidney will also be checked.

Inform any doctor diagnosing you that you are using gammagard. This is because it can alter results of some medical tests.

Gammagard should be stored at temperature not above 25 degrees celsius. However, you should not freeze it to avoid breaking of the diluent bottle. You should as your pharmacist how to store it or follow the storage instruction on the label.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you suffer any allergic side effects to gammagard: such as wheezing, hives, dizziness, breathing difficulty and fainting feeling or swelling of your tongue, throat, face and lips.

Stop Using Gammagard Immediately and Contact Your Doctor if You Have the Following Severe Side Effects of it:

• Symptoms of liver problems like dark urine, fast heartbeat and yellowing of eyes and skin.
• Lung issues such as blue lips, chest pain, breathing problem, blue or pale colored toes or fingers.
• Symptoms of new infections such as signs of flu, high fever, serious headache, mouth sores, stiff neck, vomiting, nausea and being sensitive to light.
• Symptoms of blood clots within the brain, which includes vision and balance problem, unclear speech and abrupt weakness and numbness.
• Symptoms of blood clots within the lungs or heart, which includes fast heartbeat, wheezing, prompt coughs, coughing blood, fast breathing and chest pains.
• Symptoms of blood clots in your legs, such as warmth, swelling, pain or redness in either of the legs as this is a severe side effect of Gammagard.

Common Side Effects of Gammagard Includes:

• Slight headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps, back pain
• Mild chest pain
• Flushing redness, warmth or tingly feeling.