Human immunoglobulin g

BIVIGAM is an Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Liquid, indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI). [1]

BIVIGAM is a replacement therapy in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) (e.g. agammaglobulinaemia, hypogammaglobulinaemia, CVID, SCID). The broad spectrum of neutralizing IgG antibodies against bacterial and viral pathogens and their toxins helps to avoid recurrent serious opportunistic infections. IgG antibodies are opsonins that increase phagocytosis and elimination of pathogens from the circulation. The mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated in PI.

For Intravenous Use Only Intravenous Use Only Indication Dose Initial Infusion Rate Maintenance Infusion Rate (if tolerated) PI 300-800 mg/kg every 3-4 weeks 0.5 mg/kg/min for first 10 minutes Increase every 20 minutes (if tolerated) by 0.8 mg/kg/min up to 6 mg/kg/min. Ensure that patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency are not volume depleted, discontinue BIVIGAM if renal function deteriorates. [5.3] For patients at risk of renal dysfunction or thrombotic events, administer BIVIGAM at the minimum infusion rate practicable. [5.1, 5.3]

BIVIGAM is contraindicated in patients who have had an anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to the administration of human immune globulin. BIVIGAM is contraindicated in IgA deficiency patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity. History of anaphylactic or severe systemic reactions to human immunoglobulin. [4] IgA deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity. [4, 5.2]

Boxed warning (thrombosis, renal dysfunction and acute renal failure): Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin (IGIV) products, including BIVIGAM. Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling central vascular catheters, hyperviscosity and cardiovascular risk factors. Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors. Thrombotic events have occurred in patients receiving IGIV therapy. Monitor patients with known risk factors for thrombotic events, consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity for those at risk of hyperviscosity. [5.1, 5.4] IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA are at greater risk of developing severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions.

Serious adverse reactions observed in clinical trial subjects receiving BIVIGAM were vomiting and dehydration in one subject. The most common adverse reactions to BIVIGAM (reported in ≥5% of clinical study subjects) were headache, fatigue, infusion site reaction, nausea, sinusitis, blood pressure increased, diarrhea, dizziness, and lethargy. The most common adverse reactions to BIVIGAM (reported in ≥5% of clinical study subjects) were headache, fatigue, infusion site reaction, nausea, sinusitis, blood pressure increased, diarrhea, dizziness, and lethargy. [6]

Passive transfer of antibodies may transiently interfere with the immune response to live virus vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. [7] Passive transfer of antibodies may confound the results of serological testing. [5.10]

Store at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F) for up to 36 months from date of manufacture. Do not freeze. Product may be stored up to 4 weeks at ≤ 25°C (77°C). After storage at room temperature product must be used or discarded. Special Precautions for Storage Do not freeze or heat. Allow refrigerated product to come to room temperature before use. Shelf-life BIVIGAM may be stored until expiration date on vial packaging at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F).