What is varicella (chickenpox)?.
Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly communicable viral infection that causes an itchy rash that turns into small, fluid-filled blisters. A person may also experience a fever or a headache before or during the rash.
Approximately 95 per cent of all unvaccinated children get chickenpox before the age of 15. If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, her baby may be born with birth defects such as eye problems, scarring or shortening of the arms and legs. VariZIG™ can prevent or reduce the severity of maternal Varicella (chickenpox) infections.
Reference:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/fs/varicella_vaccine.pdf
How does VariZIG™ work?
Although the exact mechanism by which VariZIG™ works is not fully known, it is believed that antibodies in VariZIG™ interact with the virus to prevent or decrease the severity of chickenpox in at-risk individuals.
If you have not had chickenpox before and have been exposed to someone with chickenpox, please see your physician immediately to determine whether you should receive VariZIGT. Your physician will determine whether you require VariZIG™ based on lab tests for pre-existing immunity, the type of exposure and the time since you were exposed to someone with chickenpox.
When should VariZIG™ not be used ?
- In patients with a history of allergic reactions to blood products.
- In patients deficient in IgA, which is a specific type of blood protein.
* Please contact your physician to determine if VariZIG™ can be administered
How is VariZIG™ manufactured ?
The manufacturing process includes both a Planova 35 nm virus filter, which effectively removes lipid-enveloped and non-enveloped viruses based on size, and a solvent/detergent treatment step that effectively inactivates lipid-enveloped viruses. These two processes are designed to increase product safety by reducing the risk of viral transmission of several viruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, despite these measures, such products can still potentially transmit disease. There is also the possibility that unknown infectious agents may be present in such products.
Medicinal ingredients:
Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)
Important nonmedicinal ingredients:
Human plasma protein
Sodium Chloride
Glycine
Polysorbate 80
VariZIG™ may contain trace amounts of tri-n-butyl phosphate and Triton X-100 ® .
Dosage forms:
VariZIG™ is provided in single use 6 mL glass vials that contain approximately 125 IU of varicella zoster antibody activity. A patient may be administered up to 5 vials depending on their body weight.
Administration:
VariZIG™ can be administered either intravenously or intramuscularly.
Most Common Side Effects:
Injection site pain, chills, fever, headaches, vomiting, nausea, joint pain, rash. * These side effects are usually mild, but if they require treatment ask your health care professional.
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