Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (human)

Uses

Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (human) is a solution of antibodies used for post exposure prophylaxis of varicella infections in high risk populations, as well as to reduce the severity of infections.

Indicated for preventing and reducing the severity of chicken pox (varicella zoster virus) infections in high risk individuals within 4 days of exposure to varicella zoster virus.

Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (human) is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Chickenpox

How Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (human) works

Immunoglobulins are derived from human plasma and synthesized from plasma cells that recognize a broad spectrum of specific antigenic determinants . Derived from a pool of healthy human plasma, Human Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin is a solvent/detergent-treated sterile lyophilized preparation of purified human immune globulin G (IgG) containing antibodies to varicella zoster virus. The anti-VZV antibodies in VariZIG™ are thought to bind to proteins on the varicella virus; thereby, preventing or reducing the severity and progression of varicella infections.

Toxicity

Since the drug was prepared from human plasma pool, it may contain other infectious agents such as viruses and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent. Hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic or anaphylactic reactions may occur. More common adverse effects include pain at injection site, headache, and rash. Rare adverse effects from immune globulin intravenous therapy include thrombotic events, renal dysfunction and acute renal failure, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. An LD50 was not determined, as the maximal dose used did not kill any experimental animals.

Food Interaction

Volume of Distribution

Following intravenous administration of varicella zoster VZIG, anti-varicella zoster antibodies are expected to be quickly distributed between plasma and extravascular spaces with complete and immediate bioavailability. Intramuscular administration achieves nearly 100% bioavailability.

Elimination Route

Intravenous administration of varicella zoster antibodies tends to persist for 6 weeks or longer. Following intramuscular administration of varicella immune globulin products, varicella antibodies are detectable within 2-3 days. The peak levels of varicella antibodies is expected to occur within 3-7 days of VariZIG administration.

Half Life

Human Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin has a half-life of about 18-24 days following intravenous administration and 24-30 days following intramuscular administration.

Innovators Monograph

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