The FDA approved the medicine Immune Globulin (Globucel) in 2005 for treating patients with Primary Humoral Immunodeficiency (PI), Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Kawasaki syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This drug comes in single-use vials in 5 gm/100 ml & 10 gm/100 mL to administer intravenously and subcutaneously.
Indications
Primary Immune Deficiency
Immune globulin is used in the treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI) associated with defects in humoral immunity, in adults and children two years and older. This includes, but is not limited to, congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined 1,2,3 immunodeficiencies.
Primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) are rare genetic disorders that impair the immune system. Without a functional immune response, people with PIDDs may be subject to chronic, debilitating infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can increase the risk of developing cancer. Some PIDDs can be fatal. PIDDs may be diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adulthood, depending on disease severity.
The recommended dose of Globucel injection for patients with PI is 300-600 mg/kg 1,2,6 infused at 3 to 4-week intervals.
B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Healthcare professionals recommend Immune Globulin for the prevention of bacterial infections in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent bacterial infections associated with B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (also called CLL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that usually gets worse slowly. CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. It often occurs during or after middle age; it rarely occurs in children.
The recommended dose of Immune globulin for patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent bacterial infections due to B-cell CLL is 400 mg/kg body weight infused at every 3 to 4-week intervals.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Immune Globulin is used for the treatment of adult Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura to increase platelet count and to prevent and/or control bleeding.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), is an immune disorder where blood doesn’t clot quickly because the body doesn’t have enough platelets.
As a result, ITP can lead to excessive bruising and bleeding internally, as well as on and under the skin.
The recommended dose of Globucel 5 gm for patients with chronic ITP is 1 g/kg. The need for additional doses can be determined by clinical response and platelet count. Up to three separate doses may be given on alternate days if required.
Kawasaki Syndrome
The drug Immune Globulin is recommended for the prevention of coronary artery aneurysms associated with Kawasaki syndrome in pediatric patients.
Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes blood vessels to become inflamed, almost always in young children. It’s one of the leading causes of heart disease in kids. But doctors can treat it if they find it early. Most children recover without any problems.
The recommended dosage of Globucel for patients with Kawasaki syndrome is either a single 1 g/kg dose or a dose of 400 mg/kg for four consecutive days beginning within seven days of the onset of fever, administered concomitantly with appropriate 5,7,8 aspirin therapy.