Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are proteins that circulate in blood which provide the body with protection from infectious diseases. There are two broad categories of immunoglobulin preparations, normal and specific.

Normal

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
   Intravenous

Specific

These are preparations made from donors that contain high concentrations of antibodies to a particular virus or bacteria. They are used to give immediate protection to individuals that have been exposed to that particular virus or bacteria. This is specifically for individuals not having their own antibodies to that particular virus or bacteria from previous illness or vaccination. In such circumstances the patient's immune system can take a few days before it produces its own antibodies.

Specific immunoglobulins are available as intramuscular injections. 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.

      Human Anti - D (Rh₀)immunoglobulin
     Human Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
     Human Rabies immunoglobulin
     Human Tetanus immunoglobulin
     Human Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin