Normal Immunoglobulin (Human)
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet answers some common questions about the KIOVIG. It does not contain all
of the available information. All medicines have risks and benefits.
Your doctor has weighed the risks against the benefits for you by using KIOVIG.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any
concerns about having this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Please read this
leaflet carefully and keep it for future reference. Please also note that this leaflet
is subjected to change, therefore, ask your doctor whether this is the latest information
regarding this medicine.
What KIOVIG is used for
KIOVIG is used for:
Treatment of patients who do not have sufficient antibodies (replacement therapy):
Primary immunodeficiency disorders
Disease or medical treatment that leads to a lack of antibody production and frequent
infection (secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia).
Treatment of patients with certain inflammatory disorders (immunomodulation):
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, a disease where patients do not have enough
blood platelets), who are at high risk of bleeding or prior to surgery to correct
the platelet count.
Guillain Barré syndrome (a disease with multiple inflammations of the nervous system
of the whole body)
Kawasaki disease (a disease which results in multiple inflammations of several organs)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in adults
Multifocal motor neuropathy
How does KIOVIG work
KIOVIG belongs to a class of medicines called immunoglobulins. These medicines contain
human antibodies, which are also present in your blood. Antibodies help your body
to fight infections. Immunoglobulins are used in patients who do not have enough antibodies
in their blood and tend to get frequent infections. They can also be used in patients
who need additional antibodies for the treatment of certain inflammatory disorders.
The active component in KIOVIG, immunoglobulin, is isolated from the plasma of human
donors. As required by the Regulatory Authority,
the viral DNA testing procedures for finding out whether the collected bloods contain
infectious viruses have been incorporated in the process. Possible viruses which may
be present in the donated blood include hepatitis (A, B and C), human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), and parvovirus B19.
Further viral inactivation procedure has also been included during the manufacturing
steps in order to reduce a potential viral transmission via KIOVIG administration.
A three step viral inactivation/reduction has been applied during the manufacturing
of KIOVIG. Despite the stringent measures, which have been put in place during the
manufacturing processes, the risk of contamination by viral and other unknown agents
cannot be completely eliminated.
Before you are given KIOVIG
KIOVIG should not be given to you:
If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to immunoglobulin or to any of the ingredients
listed at the end of this leaflet
If you are suffering from an immunoglobulin A deficiency (lack of IgA antibodies),
you may have antibodies against immunoglobulin A in your blood. Since KIOVIG contains
small amounts of immunoglobulin A, you might develop an allergic reaction.
The expiry date printed on the pack has passed.
You must tell your doctor if you:
are suffering from an immunoglobulin A deficiency
have or have had any kidney problem
have or have ever had cerebrovascular disease (such as a stroke) or cardiovascular
disease (such as a heart attack or angina), including high blood pressure and narrowing
or hardening of the arteries
have any heart condition or problem
are a smoker
have previously had a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) , lungs (pulmonary
embolism) or other parts of your body
have immediate family members who have had blood clots in the legs, a heart attack,
a stroke or high cholesterol
diabetes
have any other medical conditions
are taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement treatment
are having difficulty in breathing or fatigue (anaemic)
are taking any prescription medicine or any other medicines purchased from a pharmacy,
health food store or supermarket. Some medicines and KIOVIG may interfere with each
other.
You must tell your doctor, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
The use of KIOVIG during pregnancy or breast-feeding is not recommended, due to insufficient
information in supporting of such usages. If there is a need to consider the use of
this product during pregnancy, it should only be given in such condition if clearly
needed. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits involved.
How KIOVIG is given
How much is given:
Your doctor will decide how much KIOVIG will be given to you. Dosage will vary depending
on your condition and your bodyweight. Each individual will receive a different dosage,
which in itself may vary between doctor visits.
Ask your doctor if you want to know more about the dose of KIOVIG you receive.
How is it given:
KIOVIG is given as an intravenous (into a vein) or a subcutaneous (under the skin)
infusion. Your doctor will decide which way is best for you. At the beginning of your
infusion, you will receive KIOVIG at a slow rate. Depending on how comfortable you
are, your doctor may then gradually increase the infusion rate. When given subcutaneously,
the dose may be infused through several needles simultaneously. Do not exceed the
recommended maximum amount given through each needle.
If your doctor decides that you may administer KIOVIG yourself, your doctor or nurse
will teach you how to prepare and give the infusion subcutaneously (under the skin).
Do not attempt to administer KIOVIG yourself until you have been trained and understand
the procedure and requirement of self-administration. There is an Instruction Leaflet
for subcutaneous administration inside the box which describes the procedures involved.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about KIOVIG.
While you are treated with KIOVIG
Discuss with your doctor the progress you have experienced after the treatment, especially
during the first few days. As KIOVIG is given in a hospital, your healthcare professional
will take records of the progress and unexpected reactions.
You must tell your doctor if you are planning to receive an immunization.
Immunoglobulins may impair the effects of some virus vaccines such as mumps, rubella
and varicella for up to 6 months and for a year or more to measles (rubeola). Inform
the immunising physician of recent therapy with KIOVIG so that appropriate precautions
can be taken.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are under KIOVIG treatment.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time
they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
The following reactions may occur at the site of infusion. These generally go away
within a few hours, and are less likely after the first few infusions.
redness
warmth
itching
swelling
mild or moderate pain
bruising
the following common side effects may occur during infusion of KIOVIG:
headache
migraine
chills
mild fever
fatigue
weakness
nausea
rash/hives
increased heart rate
abdominal pain
dizziness /increased blood pressure
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
Fever or other signs of an infection
Chest pain or breathing problems
Night sweats.
Reduced urination, sudden weight gain, or swelling in your legs. These could be signs
of a kidney problem.
Brown or red urine, fast heart rate, yellow skin or eyes. These could be signs of
a liver problem or a blood problem.
The above list includes serious side effects that may require medical attention.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and
Emergency at your nearest hospital:
Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting
or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Bad headache with nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, fever, and sensitivity to light. These
could be signs of irritation of the lining around your brain.
Pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or a lump in your legs or arms. These could be signs
of a blood clot.
Chest pain or trouble breathing, blue lips or extremities. These could be signs of
a serious heart or lung problem.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Product descriptions
What KIOVIG looks like
KIOVIG is a 10% solution (100 mg/mL) for intravenous/subcutaneous infusion. The solution
is clear or slightly opalescent and colourless or pale yellow.
KIOVIG is available in single use glass vials of:
1 g in 10 mL
2.5 g in 25 mL
5 g in 50 mL
10 g in 100 mL
20 g in 200 mL
30 g in 300 mL
What is in KIOVIG
The active component/ingredient in KIOVIG is human plasma derived Immunoglobulin (IgG)
protein. Other ingredients in KIOVIG include:
Glycine, a natural amino acid
Water for Injections.
(It also contains a small amount of immunoglobulin A.)
How to store KIOVIG
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Keep the container in the outer carton
in order to protect from light.
Store below 25°C for up to 24 months. Do not freeze.
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label.
Where can you get more information
You can get more information from your doctor or pharmacist. KIOVIG is a prescription
drug. If you require further information regarding KIOVIG, or your treatment, or if
you have any questions or are not sure about the information provided in this leaflet,
please consult your doctor.
Name and address of the Sponsor
KIOVIG is distributed in Australia by:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd
Level 39, 225 George Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Phone: 1800 012 612
Australian Registration Number
KIOVIG (Normal Immunoglobulin):
1 g in 10 mL - AUST R 131953
2.5 g in 25 mL - AUST R 131966
5 g in 50 mL - AUST R 131968
10 g in 100 mL - AUST R 131969
20 g in 200 mL - AUST R 131973
30 g in 300 mL - AUST R 198488
KIOVIG® is a trademark of Baxalta. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA Logo® are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
This leaflet was prepared in July 2021.