The human immune system serves as a defense mechanism, protecting the body from many potentially damaging substances such as cancer cells, blood or tissues from another person, microorganisms, or toxins. In individuals with immune deficiency disorders, their immune system is absent or is functioning incorrectly.
Immune disorders can be inborn (where the individual is born with a malfunctioning immune system), or be the result of a virus, or chemotherapy. There are a wide variety of immunodeficiency disorders that affect millions of men, women, and children worldwide, and there are a wide variety of treatments.
Immune globulin intravenous (human) therapies (IGIVs) vary significantly as a result of different production processes. Although high biological activity is the primary objective in IGIV manufacturing, these processes result in varying product features that may affect biological activity and ultimately the efficacy of the IGIV.
Talecris Biotherapeutics' immunology product, Gamunex®, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Caprylate/Chromatography Purified, is produced using a completely new manufacturing process to allow greater flexibility in order to meet the critical needs of both patients and caregivers. Please click here for full prescribing information.
Gamunex is indicated as replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency disease (PI) and as immunomodulatory therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Gamunex is contraindicated in individuals with known anaphylactic or severe systemic response to immune globulin (human). Individuals with severe, selective IgA deficiencies (serum IgA <0.05 g/L) who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should only receive Gamunex with cautionary measures.
Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis and death. Patients should be instructed to immediately report symptoms of decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention/edema, and/or shortness of breath (which may suggest kidney damage) to their physicians.
While these reports of renal dysfunction and acute renal failure have been associated with the use of many of the licensed IGIV products, those containing sucrose as a stabilizer accounted for a disproportionate share of the total number. Gamunex does not contain sucrose. Glycine, a natural amino acid, is used as a stabilizer.
There have been reports of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in patients administered with IGIV. Thrombotic events have been reported in association with IGIV. Patients at risk may include those with a history of atherosclerosis, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, and/or known or suspected hyperviscosity. As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated.
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your therapy.
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