Prescription Drugs

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), contains a broad spectrum of IgG antibodies against bacterial and viral agents that are capable of opsonization and neutralization of microbes and toxins. Peak levels of IgG are reached immediately after infusion of GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) . It has been shown that, after infusion, exogenous IgG is distributed relatively rapidly between plasma and extravascular fluid until approximately half is partitioned in the extravascular space. Therefore, a rapid initial drop in serum IgG levels is to be expected.4 As a class, IgG survives longer in vivo than other serum proteins.4,5 Studies show that the half-life of GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is approximately 37.7 ± 15 days.3 Previous studies reported IgG half-life values of 21 to 25 days.4,5 using radiolabeled IgG or 17.7 to 37.6 days measuring IgG levels during administration of IGIV to immunodeficient patients.6 The half-life of IgG can vary considerably from person to person, however. In particular, high concentrations of IgG and hypermetabolism associated with fever and infection have been seen to coincide with a shortened half-life of IgG. 4-7 REFERENCES 3. Unpublished data in the files of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. 4. Waldmann TA, Storber W. Metabolism of immunoglobulins. Prog Allergy. 1969;13:1-110. 5. Morell A, Riesen W. Structure, function and catabolism of immunoglobulins. In: Nydegger UE, ed. Immunotherapy. London: Academic Press; 1981;17-26. 6. Mankarious S, Lee M, Fischer S, Pyun KH, Ochs HD, Oxelius VA, Wedgwood RJ. The half-lifes of IgG subclasses and specific antibodies in patients with primary immunodeficiency who are receiving intravenously administered immunoglobulin. J Lab Clin Med. 1988; 112:634-40. 7. Buckley RH. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy: Indications and contraindications for use and variable IgG levels achieved In: Alving BM, Finlayson JS eds. Immunoglobulins: characteristics and use of intravenous preparations. Washington, D.C.: US Department of Health and Human Services; 1979;3-8.

GAMMAGARD S/D Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) SOLVENT DETERGENT TREATED DESCRIPTION GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) [IGIV] is a solvent/detergent treated, sterile, freeze-dried preparation of highly purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) derived from large pools of human plasma. The product is manufactured by the Cohn-Oncley cold ethanol fractionation process followed by ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography. Source material for fractionation may be obtained from another U.S. licensed manufacturer. The manufacturing process includes treatment with an organic solvent/detergent mixture,1,2 composed of tri-n-butyl phosphate, octoxynol 9 and polysorbate 80.3 The GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) S/D manufacturing process provides a significant viral reduction in in vitro studies.3 These studies, summarized in Table 1, demonstrate virus clearance during GAMMAGARD S/D manufacturing using infectious human immunodeficiency virus, Types 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2); bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD), a model virus for hepatitis C virus; sindbis virus (SIN), a model virus for lipid-enveloped viruses; pseudorabies virus (PRV), a model virus for lipid-enveloped DNA viruses such as herpes; vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a model virus for lipid-enveloped RNA viruses; hepatitis A virus (HAV) and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC), a model virus for non-lipid enveloped RNA viruses; and porcine parvovirus (PPV), a model virus for non-lipid enveloped DNA viruses.3 These reductions are achieved through a combination of process chemistry, partitioning and/or inactivation during cold ethanol fractionation and the solvent/detergent treatment.3 Table 1: In Vitro Virus Clearance During Gammagard S/D (immune globulin) Manufacturing Process Step Evaluated Virus Clearance (log10) Lipid Enveloped Viruses Non-Lipid Enveloped Viruses BVD HIV-1 HIV-2 PRV SIN VSV EMC HAV PPV Step 1 : Processing of Cryo-Poor Plasma to Fraction I+II+III Precipitate 0.6* 5.7 NT 1.0* NT NT NT 0.5* 0.2* Step 2 : Processing of Resuspended Suspension A Precipitate to Suspension B Filter Press Filtrate 1.3 4.9 NT 3.7 NT NT 3.7 4.1 3.5 Step 3 : Processing of Suspension B Filter Press to Suspension B Cuno 70 Filtrate 0.7* 4.0 NT 4.5 NT NT 3.0 3.9 3.9 Step 4 : Solvent/Detergent Treatment > 4.9 > 3.7 5.7 > 4.1 5.1 6.0 NA NA NA Cumulative Reduction of Virus (log10) 6.2 18.3 5.7 12.3 5.1 6.0 6.7 8.0 7.4 * These values are not included in the computation of the cumulative reduction of virus since the virus clearance is within the variability limit of the assay ( ≤ 1.0). NA Not Applicable. Solvent/detergent treatment does not affect non-lipid enveloped viruses. NT Not Tested. When reconstituted with the total volume of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection, USP) supplied, this preparation contains approximately 50 mg of protein per mL (5%), of which at least 90% is gamma globulin. The product, reconstituted to 5%, contains a physiological concentration of sodium chloride (approximately 8.5 mg/mL) and has a pH of 6.8 ± 0.4. Stabilizing agents and additional components are present in the following maximum amounts for a 5% solution: 3 mg/mL Albumin (Human), 22.5 mg/mL glycine, 20 mg/mL glucose, 2 mg/mL polyethylene glycol (PEG), 1 µg/mL tri-n-butyl phosphate, 1 µg/mL octoxynol 9, and 100 µg/mL polysorbate 80. If it is necessary to prepare a 10% (100 mg/mL) solution for infusion, half the volume of diluent should be added, as described in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. In this case, the stabilizing agents and other components will be present at double the concentrations given for the 5% solution. The manufacturing process for GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) , isolates IgG without additional chemical or enzymatic modification, and the Fc portion is maintained intact. GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) S/D contains all of the IgG antibody activities which are present in the donor population. On the average, the distribution of IgG subclasses present in this product is similar to that in normal plasma.3 GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) contains only trace amounts of IgA ( ≤ 2.2 µg/mL in a 5% solution). IgM is also present in trace amounts. GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) contains no preservative. REFERENCES 1. Prince AM, Horowitz B, Brotman B. Sterilisation of hepatitis and HTLV-III viruses by exposure to tri-n-butyl phosphate and sodium cholate. Lancet. 1986;1:706-710. 2. Horowitz B, Wiebe ME, Lippin A, et al. Inactivation of viruses in labile blood derivatives: I. Disruption of lipid enveloped viruses by tri-n-butyl phosphate detergent combinations. Transfusion. 1985;25:516-522. 3. Unpublished data in the files of Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

INDICATIONS GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is not indicated in patients with selective IgA deficiency where the IgA deficiency is the only abnormality of concern (see WARNINGS). Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficient states, such as: congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.6,7 This indication was supported by a clinical trial of 17 patients with primary immunodeficiency who received a total of 341 infusions. GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is especially useful when high levels or rapid elevation of circulating IgG are desired or when intramuscular injections are contraindicated (e.g., small muscle mass). B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is indicated for prevention of bacterial infections in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and/or recurrent bacterial infections associated with B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). In a study of 81 patients, 41 of whom were treated with GAMMAGARD, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), bacterial infections were significantly reduced in the treatment group.8,9 In this study, the placebo group had approximately twice as many bacterial infections as the IGIV group. The median time to first bacterial infection for the IGIV group was greater than 365 days. By contrast, the time to first bacterial infection in the placebo group was 192 days. The number of viral and fungal infections, which were for the most part minor, was not statistically different between the two groups. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) When a rapid rise in platelet count is needed to prevent and/or to control bleeding in a patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, the administration of GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) , should be considered. The efficacy of GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) has been demonstrated in a clinical study involving 16 patients. Of these 16 patients, 13 had chronic ITP (11 adults, 2 children), and 3 patients had acute ITP (one adult, 2 children). All 16 patients (100%) demonstrated a clinically significant rise in platelet count to a level greater than 40,000/mm3 following the administration of GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) . Ten of the 16 patients (62.5%) exhibited a significant rise to greater than 80,000 platelets/ mm3. Of these 10 patients, 7 had chronic ITP (5 adults, 2 children), and 3 patients had acute ITP (one adult, 2 children). The rise in platelet count to greater than 40,000/mm3 occurred after a single 1 g/kg infusion of GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) in 8 patients with chronic ITP (6 adults, 2 children), and in 2 patients with acute ITP (one adult, one child). A similar response was observed after two 1 g/kg infusions in 3 adult patients with chronic ITP, and one child with acute ITP. The remaining 2 adult patients with chronic ITP received more than two 1 g/kg infusions before achieving a platelet count greater than 40,000/mm3. The rise in platelet count was generally rapid, occurring within 5 days. However, this rise was transient and not considered curative. Platelet count rises lasted 2 to 3 weeks, with a range of 12 days to 6 months. It should be noted that childhood ITP may resolve spontaneously without treatment. Kawasaki Syndrome GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) , is indicated for the prevention of coronary artery aneurysms associated with Kawasaki syndrome. The percentage incidence of coronary artery aneurysm in patients with Kawasaki syndrome receiving GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) either at a single dose of 1 g/kg (n=22) or at a dose of 400 mg/kg for four consecutive days (n=22), beginning within seven days of onset of fever, was 3/44 (6.8%). This was significantly different (p=0.008) from a comparable group of patients that received aspirin only in previous trials and of whom 42/185 (22.7%) experienced coronary artery aneurysms.10,11,12 All patients in the GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) trial received concomitant aspirin therapy and none experienced hypersensitivity-type reactions (urticaria, bronchospasm or generalized anaphylaxis).13 Several studies have documented the efficacy of intravenous gammaglobulin in reducing the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities resulting from Kawasaki syndrome.10-12, 14-17 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases For patients with primary immunodeficiencies, monthly doses of approximately 300-600 mg/kg infused at 3 to 4 week intervals are commonly used.42,43 As there are significant differences in the half-life of IgG among patients with primary immunodeficiency, the frequency and amount of immunoglobulin therapy may vary from patient to patient. The proper amount can be determined by monitoring clinical response. The minimum serum concentration of IgG necessary for protection varies among patients and has not been established by controlled clinical trials

PATIENT INFORMATION Patients should be instructed to immediately report symptoms of decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention/edema, and/or shortness of breath (which may suggest kidney damage) to their physician.

OVERDOSE No information provided. CONTRAINDICATIONS GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is contraindicated in patients with selective IgA deficiency where the IgA deficiency is the only abnormality of concern (see INDICATIONS and WARNINGS). Patients may experience severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis in the setting of detectable IgA levels following infusion of GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) . The occurrence of severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis under such conditions should prompt consideration of an alternative therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS Increases in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been observed as soon as one to two days following infusion. Progression to oliguria and anuria requiring dialysis has been observed, although some patients have improved spontaneously following cessation of treatment.35 Types of severe renal adverse reactions that have been seen following IGIV therapy include: acute renal failure acute tubular necrosis36 proximal tubular nephropathy osmotic nephrosis18 (see also 37-39) In general, reported adverse reactions to GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) , in patients with either congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies are similar in kind and frequency. Various minor reactions, such as mild to moderate hypotension, headache, fatigue, chills, backache, leg cramps, lightheadedness, fever, urticaria, flushing, slight elevation of blood pressure, nausea and vomiting may occasionally occur. Slowing or stopping the infusion usually allows the symptoms to disappear promptly. Immediate anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions are a remote possibility. Epinephrine and antihistamines should be available for treatment of any acute anaphylactoid reaction (See WARNINGS). Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Twenty-one adverse reactions occurred in 341 infusions (6%), when using GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) (5% solution), in a clinical trial of 17 patients with primary immunodeficiency.40 Of the 17 patients, 12 (71%) were adults, and 5 (29%) were children (16 years or younger). In a cross-over study comparing GAMMAGARD and GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) (5% solutions) conducted in a small number (n=10) of primary immunodeficient patients, no unusual or unexpected adverse reactions were observed in the GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) group. The adverse reactions experienced in the GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) group were similar in frequency and nature to those observed in the control group consisting of patients receiving GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) . GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) , reconstituted to a concentration of 10%, was administered intravenously at rates varying from 2 to 11 mL/kg/Hr. Systemic reactions occurred in 23 (10.5%) of 219 infusions. This compares with an adverse reaction incidence of 6% (only systemic reactions reported) for primary immunodeficient patients previously treated with a 5% solution at infusion rates varying between 2 and 8 mL/kg/Hr, as described above (see reference 40). Local pain or irritation was experienced during 35 (16%) of 219 infusions. Application of a warm compress to the infusion site alleviated local symptoms. These local reactions tended to be associated with hand vein infusions and their incidence may be reduced by infusions via the antecubital vein. B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) In the study of patients with B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) infusions was approximately 1.3% while that associated with placebo (normal saline) infusions was 0.6%.9 Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) During the clinical study of GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) for the treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, the only adverse reaction reported was headache which occurred in 12 of 16 patients (75%). Of these 12 patients, 11 had chronic ITP (9 adults, 2 children), and one child had acute ITP. Oral antihistamines and analgesics alleviated the symptoms and were used as pretreatment for those patients requiring additional IGIV therapy. The remaining 4 patients did not report any side effects and did not require pretreatment. Kawasaki Syndrome In a study of patients (n=51) with Kawasaki syndrome, no hypersensitivity-type reactions (urticaria, bronchospasm or generalized anaphylaxis) were reported in patients receiving either a single 1g/kg dose of IGIV, GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) , or 400 mg/kg of IGIV, GAMMAGARD (immune globulin) , for four consecutive days.13 Mild adverse reactions, including chills, flushing, cramping, headache, hypotension, nausea, rash and wheezing, were reported with both dose regimens. These adverse reactions occurred in 7/51 (13.7%) patients and in association with 7/129 (5.4%) infusions. Of the 25 patients who received a single 1 g/kg dose, 4 patients experienced adverse reactions for an incidence of 16%. Of the 26 patients who received 400 mg/kg/day over 4 days, 3 experienced a single adverse reaction for an incidence of 11.5%.3 Postmarketing The following list of adverse reaction have been identified and reported during the post-approval use of IGIV products: Respiratory: cyanosis, hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, dyspnea, bronchospasm Cardiovascular: thromboembolism, hypotension Neurological: seizures, tremor Hematologic: hemolysis, positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test General/Body as a Whole: pyrexia, rigors Musculoskeletal: back pain Gastrointestinal:hepatic dysfunction, abdominal pain Rare and Uncommon Adverse Events: Respiratory: apnea, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Transfusion Associated Lung Injury (TRALI) Integumentary: bullous dermatitis, epidermolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens- Johnson syndrome Cardiovascular: cardiac arrest, vascular collapse Neurological: coma, loss of consciousness Hematologic: pancytopenia, leukopenia Because postmarketing reporting of these reactions is voluntary and the at-risk populations are of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of the reaction or establish a causal relationship to exposure to the product. Such is also the case with literature reports authored independently.41 (See PRECAUTIONS) DRUG INTERACTIONS See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. REFERENCES 3. Unpublished data in the files of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. 9. Cooperative Group for the Study of Immunoglobulin in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Intravenous immunoglobulin for the prevention of infection in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A randomized, controlled clinical trial. N Eng J Med. 1988; 319:902-907. 13. Data in the files of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. 35. Winward DB, Brophy MT. Acute renal failure after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin: review of the literature and case report. Pharmacotherapy. 1995;15:765-772. 18. Cayco AV, Perazella MA, Hayslett JP. Renal insufficiency after intravenous immune globulin therapy: a report of two cases and an analysis of the literature. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1997;8:1788-1794. 36. Phillips AO. Renal failure and intravenous immunoglobulin. Clin Nephrol. 1992;36:83-86. 37. Anderson W, Bethea W. Renal lesions following administration of hypertonic solutions of sucrose. JAMA. 1940;114:1983-1987. 38. Lindberg H, Wald A. Renal changes following the administration of hypertonic solutions. Arch Intern Med. 1939; 63:907-918. 39. Rigdon RH, Cardwell ES. Renal lesions following the intravenous injection of hypertonic solution of sucrose: a clinical and experimental study. Arch Intern Med. 1942;69:670-690. 40. Ochs HD, Lee ML, Fischer SH, et al. Efficacy of a New Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparation in Primary Immunodeficient Patients. Clinical Therapeutics. 1987;9:512-522. 41. Pierce LR, Jain N. Risks associated with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. Trans Med Rev. 2003;17:241-251.

WARNINGS Warning Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death.18 Patients predisposed to acute renal failure include patients with any degree of pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65, volume depletion, sepsis, paraproteinemia, or patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs. Especially in such patients, IGIV products should be administered at the minimum concentration available and the minimum rate of infusion practicable. While these reports of renal dysfunction and acute renal failure have been associated with the use of many of the licensed IGIV products, those containing sucrose as a stabilizer accounted for a disproportionate share of the total number.* See PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections for important information intended to reduce the risk of acute renal failure. *GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) does not contain sucrose. GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, that can cause disease. The risk that such products will transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, by testing for the presence of certain current virus infections, and by inactivating and/or removing certain viruses (See DESCRIPTION). Despite these measures, such products can still potentially transmit disease. Because this product is made from human blood, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. ALL infections thought by a physician possibly to have been transmitted by this product should be reported by the physician or other healthcare provider to Baxter Healthcare Corporation at 1-800-423-2862 (in the U.S.). The physician should discuss the risks and benefits of this product with the patient. GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), should only be administered intravenously. Other routes of administration have not been evaluated. Immediate anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions are a remote possibility. Epinephrine and antihistamines should be available for treatment of any acute anaphylactoid reactions. GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) contains only trace amounts of IgA ( ≤ 2.2 µg/mL in a 5% solution). GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) is not indicated in patients with selective IgA deficiency where the IgA deficiency is the only abnormality of concern. It should be given with caution to patients with antibodies to IgA or IgA deficiencies, that are a component of an underlying primary immunodeficiency disease for which IGIV therapy is indicated.7,19 In such instances, a risk of anaphylaxis may exist despite the fact that GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) contains only trace amounts of IgA. PRECAUTIONS General Some viruses, such as B19V (formerly known as parvovirus B19) or hepatitis A, are particularly difficult to remove or inactivate at this time. B19V most seriously affects pregnant women, or immune-compromised individuals. Symptoms of B19V infection include fever, drowsiness, chills, and runny nose followed about two weeks later by a rash and joint pain. Evidence of hepatitis A may include several days to weeks of poor appetite, tiredness, and low-grade fever followed by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Dark urine and a yellowed complexion are also common symptoms. Patients should be encouraged to consult their physician if such symptoms appear. An aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) has been reported to occur infrequently in association with Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) [IGIV] treatment. Discontinuation of IGIV treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae. The syndrome usually begins within several hours to two days following IGIV treatment. It is characterized by symptoms and signs including severe headache, nuchal rigidity, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, painful eye movements, and nausea and vomiting. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies are frequently positive with pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per mm3, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dL. Patients exhibiting such symptoms and signs should receive a thorough neurological examination, including CSF studies, to rule out other causes of meningitis. AMS may occur more frequently in association with high dose (2 g/kg) IGIV treatment. Periodic monitoring of renal function tests and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to have a potential increased risk for developing acute renal failure. Assure that patients are not volume depleted prior to the initiation of the infusion of IGIV. Renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/serum creatinine, should be assessed prior to the initial infusion of GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) and again at appropriate intervals thereafter. If renal function deteriorates, discontinuation of the product should be considered. For patients judged to be at risk for developing renal dysfunction, it may be prudent to reduce the rate of infusion to less than 4 mL/kg/Hr ( < 3.3 mg IG/kg/min) for a 5% solution or at a rate less than 2 mL/kg/ Hr ( < 3.3 mg IG/kg/min) for a 10 % solution. Certain components used in the packaging of this product contain natural rubber latex. Hemolysis Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) [IGIV] products can contain blood group antibodies which may act as hemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells with immunoglobulin, causing a positive direct antiglobulin reaction and, rarely, hemolysis.20-23 Hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to IGIV therapy due to enhanced RBC sequestration23 (See ADVERSE REACTIONS). IGIV recipients should be monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests). Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) There have been reports of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury [TRALI]) in patients administered IGIV.24 TRALI is characterized by severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, normal left ventricular function, and fever and typically occurs within 1 to 6 hours after transfusion. Patients with TRALI may be managed using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support. IGIV recipients should be monitored for pulmonary adverse reactions. If TRALI is suspected, appropriate tests should be performed for the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies in both the product and patient serum (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests). Thrombotic Events Thrombotic events have been reported in association with IGIV25-33 (See ADVERSE REACTIONS). Patients at risk may include those with a history of atherosclerosis, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, and/or known or suspected hyperviscosity, hypercoaguable disorders and prolonged periods of immobilization. The potential risks and benefits of IGIV should be weighed against those of alternative therapies for all patients for whom IGIV administration is being considered. Baseline assessment of blood viscosity should be considered in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylgycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests). Analysis of adverse event reports13,34 has indicated that a rapid rate of infusion may be a risk factor for vascular occlusive events. Laboratory Tests If signs and/or symptoms of hemolysis are present after IGIV infusion, appropriate confirmatory laboratory testing should be done (see PRECAUTIONS). If TRALI is suspected, appropriate tests should be performed for the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies in both the product and patient serum (see PRECAUTIONS). Because of the potentially increased risk of thrombosis, baseline assessment of blood viscosity should be considered in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies (see PRECAUTIONS). Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with GAMMAGARD S/D, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human). It is also not known whether GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. GAMMAGARD S/D (immune globulin) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. REFERENCES 13. Data in the files of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. 7. Buckley RH. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy: Indications and contraindications for use and variable IgG levels achieved In: Alving BM, Finlayson JS eds. Immunoglobulins: characteristics and use of intravenous preparations. Washington, D.C.: US Department of Health and Human Services; 1979;3-8. 18. Cayco AV, Perazella MA, Hayslett JP. Renal insufficiency after intravenous immune globulin therapy: a report of two cases and an analysis of the literature. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1997;8:1788-1794. 19. Burks AW, Sampson HA, Buckley RH. Anaphylactic reactions after gammaglobulin administration in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia: Detection of IgE antibodies to IgA. N Eng J Med. 1986;314:560-564. 20. Wilson JR, Bhoopalam N, Fisher M. Hemoytic anemia associated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Muscle Nerve. 1997;20: 1142-1145. 21. Copelan EA, Strohm PL, Kennedy MS, Tutschka PJ. Hemolysis following intravenous immune globulin therapy. Transfusion. 1986;26:410-412. 22. Thomas MJ, Misbah SA, Chapel HM, Jones M, Elrington G, Newsom-Davis J. Hemolysis after high-dose intravenous Ig. Blood. 1993;82:3789. 23. Kessary-Shoham H, Levy Y, Shoenfeld Y, Lorber M, Gershon H. In vivo administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can lead to enhanced erythrocyte sequestration. J Autoimmune. 1999;13:129-135. 24. Rizk A, Gorson KC, Kenney L, Weinstein R. Transfusion-related acute lung injury after the infusion of IVIG. Transfusion. 2001;41: 264-268. 25. Dalakas MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology. 1994;44:223-226. 26. Harkness K, Howell SJL, Davies-Jones GAB. Encephalopathy associated with intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery, Psychiatry. 1996;60:586-598. 27. Woodruff RK, Grigg AP, Firkin FC, Smith IL. Fatal thrombotic events during treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia with intravenous immunoglobulin in elderly patients. Lancet. 1986;2:217-218. 28. Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, Hoffman M. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol. 2000;65:30-34. 29. Brannagan TH, Nagle KJ, Lange DJ, Rowland LP . Complications of intravenous immune globulin treatment in neurologic disease. Neurology. 1996;47:674-677. 30. Haplea SS, Farrar JT, Gibson GA, Laskin M, Pizzi LT, Ashbury AK. Thromboembolic Events Associated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy. Neurology. 1997;48:A54. 31. Kwan T, and Keith P. Stroke Following Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion in a 28-Year-Old Male with Common Variable Immune Deficiency: A Case Report and Literature Review. Canadian Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 1999;4:250-253. 32. Elkayam O, Paran D, Milo R, Davidovitz Y, Almoznino-Sarafian D, Zelster D, Yaron M, Caspi D. Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with High Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion for Autoimmune Disorders. A study of four cases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2000;59:77-80. 33. Gomperts ED, Darr F. Letter to the Editor. Reference article - Rapid infusion of intravenous immune globulin in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Neurology. 2002. In Press. 34. Grillo JA, Gorson KC, Ropper AH, Lewis J, Weinstein R. Rapid infusion of intravenous immune globulin in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Neurology. 2001;57:1699-1701.