varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG)

Indications

• passive immunization of susceptible immunodeficient patients after exposure to varicella
• most effective if begun within 96 hours of exposure
• VZIG supplies are limited, thus administration is limited to the following:
  • one of the following conditions
    • malignant neoplasm
    • congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
    • immunosuppressive therapy
    • newborn of a mother who had chicken pox within 5 days pre-delivery or within 48 hours post-delivery
    • premature infant (< 28 weeks)
  • one of the following types of exposure
    • continuous household contact
    • playmate contact (> 1 hour play indoors)
    • hospital contact
      • same room 2-4 bed, adjacent beds in large ward
    • susceptible to varicella-zoster

Contraindications

• not for prophylactic use in immunodeficient patients with history of varicella unless patient's condition is associated with bone marrow transplantation
• immunocompetent individuals

Not indicated for treatment of chicken pox or Herpes zoster.

pregnancy-category C

safety in lactation ?

Dosage

• 12.5 units/kg IM in large muscle (gluteal) up to max 625 units

Do not administer IV.

Vials: 125 units.

Pharmacokinetics

elimination: liver

Adverse effects

• most common (1-10%)
  • pain, redness & swelling at site of injection
• uncommon (< 1%)
  • GI symptoms, malaise, headache, rash, respiratory symptoms, angioedema, anaphylactic shock

Drug interactions

• do not administer within 3 months of live virus vaccines

More general terms

• immune globulin

More specific terms

• VariZig

Additional terms

• Varicella [Herpes] zoster virus (VZV); human herpesvirus 3 (HHV3)