Human Normal Immunoglobulin

Normal immunoglobulin
These preparations are made from blood donors who have antibodies to a wide variety of diseases to which they have been exposed. They are used to protect individuals where a lack or low level of antibody may cause frequent infections. Normal immunoglobulin is available as an intramuscular injection or as an intravenous infusion. These preparations can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. Discuss with your doctor why it has been prescribed for you and the benefits and risks of this medicine.

Intramuscular normal immunoglobulin
The intramuscular preparation is used for patients who need replacement of some antibodies of the normal immune system to prevent infections. It can also be used to prevent infection by the measles and hepatitis A viruses.

Intravenous normal immunoglobulin
An intravenous preparation is used to prevent infections in patients who are unable to make their own antibodies. This may be due to a genetic disorder, chemotherapy or other disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin is also a relatively new treatment for some auto-immune diseases where the body’s own immune system becomes overactive and causes a disease.