What is the RhoGAM Injection Used For?

RhoGAm is a sterilized solution that is made from human blood. Rh is a substance found in human blood (Rh-positive), but some do not have it (Rh-negative).

Rh-negative people get exposed to Rh-positive blood either during a mismatched blood transfusion or during pregnancy when the baby has an opposite blood type. Rh-negative blood responds by making antibodies that destroy Rh-positive blood cells and lead to medical problems such as anemia, kidney failure or shock.

RhoGAM prevents this immune response to Rh-positive blood in those with Rh-negative blood type.

RhoGAM is also used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura ITP, a clinical syndrome in which the decreasing number of circulating platelets leads to easy bleeding, bruising, or extravasation of blood from the capillaries into the skin and mucous membrane.

RhoGAM is injected either in the muscle or into the vein, in a clinic or in a hospital setting.

The blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level, and other vital signs are monitored closely after the injection is given.

During pregnancy, if RhoGAM is required, it is given at regular intervals during the last half and also after the baby is born.

To treat mismatched blood transfusion, it is given when the symptoms of immune response appear.

Frequent blood tests are required to make sure that the medicine is helping to treat the condition. The tests help the doctor to determine how long the treatment has to continue.

Before taking the medicine there are certain precautions to be kept in mind.

If allergic to any immune globulin, or suffering from hemolytic anemia or suffering from immune globulin A deficiency, inform the doctor.

Inform the doctor if having a history of coronary heart disease.

Also if suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, or a bleeding disorder, ask the doctor whether taking RhoGAM is safe or not.

If an Rh-negative woman becomes pregnant, it is important to inform the doctor about the exposure to Rh-positive blood in the lifetime if any.

Do not receive a live vaccine for at least 3 months after the treatment, as the vaccine would not work well during this period of time and also would not provide protection against the disease.

RhoGAM is made from human plasma, which might contain viruses and other microorganism. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor before taking the medication.

The side effect are usually mild and do not affect the baby or breastfeeding after delivery.

The common side effects that might occur after taking RhoGAM injection are:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness and ill feeling
• Mild itching and rashes
• Joint or muscle pain
• Increased sweating
• Headache
• Diarrhea and stomach pain
• Pain and tenderness which is felt at the site of injection
• Increased sweating
• Flushed feeling

Contact the doctor if the following symptoms are observed:

• Fever, weakness, red or pink urine
• Pale and yellow skin and dark-colored urine
• Rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath
• Little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain and other signs of kidney failure.

Sudden numbness. Weakness, slurred speech, problems with vision, coughing up of blood, redness, and warmth in one or both legs. These signs could indicate a blood clot that could be life-threatening.