Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster - Prophylaxis

Weight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single dose

Comments:

• Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.
• A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.
• Caution is recommended when administering this drug to patients 65 years and older who are considered to be at increased risk of thrombotic events; recommended doses should not be exceeded, and this drug should be administered IM only.

Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster - Prophylaxis

Weight up to 2 kg: 62.5 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 2.1 to 10 kg: 125 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 10.1 to 20 kg: 250 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 20.1 to 30 kg: 375 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight 30.1 to 40 kg: 500 international units IM once as a single dose
Weight at least 40.1 kg: 625 international units IM once as a single dose

Comments:

• Dosing of this drug is based on body weight.
• A second full dose of this drug should be considered for high-risk patients having additional exposures to varicella more than 3 weeks after initial drug administration.

Use: For postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in high-risk patients

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Known to have anaphylactic or severe systemic (hypersensitivity) reactions to human immune globulin preparations
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies against IgA and history of hypersensitivity (may have an anaphylactic reaction)

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For IM use only.
• Administer this drug as soon as possible after varicella zoster virus (VZV) exposure, ideally within 96 hours for greatest efficacy.
• Divide the IM dose and administer in 2 or more injection sites, depending on patient size; do not exceed 3 mL per injection site.
• Inject into the deltoid muscle or the anterolateral aspects of the upper thigh.
• Due to the risk of sciatic nerve injury, do not use the gluteal region as a routine injection site; if the gluteal region is used, only use the upper, outer quadrant.
• To prevent transmission of infectious agents between patients, use a new disposable sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient.
• Discard any unused portion; do not use this drug after expiration date.

Storage requirements:

• Store at 2C to 8C (36F to 46F); do not freeze.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

• Bring this drug to room temperature prior to use.
• Inspect for particulate matter and discoloration before administration; do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particulates.

General:

• High-risk groups include immunocompromised children and adults, neonates of mothers with varicella shortly before or after delivery, premature infants, neonates and infants younger than 1 year, adults without evidence of immunity, and pregnant women.
• Use of this drug is intended to reduce the severity of varicella.
• There is no convincing evidence that this drug reduces the incidence of chickenpox infection after VZV exposure or that established VZV infections can be modified by use of this drug.
• There is no indication for the prophylactic use of this drug in immunodeficient children or adults when there is history of varicella, unless the patient is undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
• Each vial of this drug contains a minimum potency of 125 international units in 1.2 mL.
• This drug contains less than 40 mcg/mL of IgA.

Monitoring:

• Hematologic: Blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity (at baseline)

Patient advice:

• Consult your physician if signs/symptoms of varicella develop.
• Notify your immunizing physician of recent therapy with this drug.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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