Hyperimmune immunoglobulin products are similar to IVIg but are prepared from the plasma of donors with high titres of antibody against a specific organism or antigen.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin - is used to prevent CMV infection in bone marrow, renal, cardiac and liver transplant recipients, who are CMV antibody negative, where the donor is CMV antibody positive. It is also used for the treatment of established CMV infection in association with virucidal treatment.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin - is administered intramuscularly and indicated for the prevention of an infection developing in a person who has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, who has not received prior vaccination, or whose vaccination program is incomplete. It is also indicated for those whose antibody levels are inadequate. In addition, Hepatitis B immunoglobulin helps prevent hepatitis B infection in infants born to mothers with hepatitis B.
Rh(D) immunoglobulin - is given intramuscularly as prophylaxis to Rh(D)-negative women during pregnancy and following birth of an Rh(D)-positive baby to help prevent Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn. An intravenous product is also available for use in large fetomaternal haemorrhage where administration of intramuscular Rh(D) Ig is either contraindicated or not practical, or for inadvertent or emergency transfusion of Rh(D) positive blood to an Rh(D) negative female of childbearing potential.
Tetanus immunoglobulin - is used intramuscularly for passive protection of individuals who have sustained a tetanus-prone wound and who have either not been actively immunised against tetanus or whose immunisation history is doubtful. It is also given to fully immunised individuals with a tetanus prone wound if more than 10 years have elapsed since the last dose of toxoid or vaccine. Tetanus Ig is also issued intravenously for management of tetanus infection.
Zoster immunoglobulin - is indicated for prophylaxis against varicella in patients who meet the following criteria: neoplastic disease (leukaemia or lymphoma), congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy with steroids or antimetabolites, and a negative or unknown prior history of chickenpox.
Further information regarding public health, infectious diseases and vaccination within WA.