VariZIG Side Effects

Generic name: varicella zoster immune globulin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about VariZIG.

Applies to varicella zoster immune globulin: intramuscular solution Side Effects associated with varicella zoster immune globulin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name VariZIG.

Applies to varicella zoster immune globulin: intramuscular solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you closely to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive the medicine.

Blood clotting problems may occur while you are receiving this medicine. This is more likely to occur if you are an elderly, or if you have a history of atherosclerosis (hardening of the fats in the arteries), heart and blood vessel problems, bleeding problems, or prolonged time of not standing up or sitting down. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, trouble seeing or speaking, or sudden or severe headache.

This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.

While you are being treated with varicella-zoster immune globulin, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. Live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) should not be given within 3 months after receiving this medicine.

Serious side effects of VariZIG

Along with its needed effects, varicella zoster immune globulin (the active ingredient contained in VariZIG) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking varicella zoster immune globulin:

Other side effects of VariZIG

Some side effects of varicella zoster immune globulin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to varicella zoster immune globulin: intramuscular powder for injection, intramuscular solution.

General adverse events

The most serious adverse reactions observed in clinical trials included pyrexia, nausea, and vomiting. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, headache, rash, fatigue, chills, and nausea.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Deep vein thrombosis
• Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia, hypotension

Immune globulins (immunoglobulins):

• Frequency not reported: Arterial/venous thromboembolic events

Arterial and venous thromboembolic events (including myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism) have been associated with the use of immune globulins.

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Postmarketing reports: Skin reaction, erythema, itching, pruritus

Immune globulins:

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, urticaria, skin lesions

Rash included pruritus, rash, erythematous rash, vesicular rash, and urticaria.

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Nausea, vomiting

Immune globulins:

• Frequency not reported: Nausea

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Disseminated intravascular coagulation, coagulopathy

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Serum sickness
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic shock, hypersensitivity

Immune globulins:

• Frequency not reported: Generalized hypersensitivity reactions

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pain
• Frequency not reported: Local reactions at injection sites
• Postmarketing reports: Injection site swelling, injection site pain, injection site erythema, injection site induration, injection site warmth, injection site pruritus, injection site rash, injection site itching

Local reactions at injection sites included swelling, soreness, redness, induration, local heat, itching, bruising, and rash.

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage
• Postmarketing reports: Headache

Immune globulins:

• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, convulsions

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, chills
• Postmarketing reports: Fever, malaise, chills

Immune globulins:

• Frequency not reported: Mild pyrexia, malaise

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary hemorrhage

See also:

Further information

VariZIG side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer