Generic medicine

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is a purified human immunoglobulin preparation used for the following indications and more.

Forms:IM Injection

About Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

Indications of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is a purified human immunoglobulin preparation used for the following indications, classified by strength of evidence:

Established / Approved Indications

  • Antenatal prophylaxis: Prevention of Rh(D) alloimmunization in Rh(D)-negative, non-sensitized pregnant women, typically given around 28 weeks of gestation.
  • Postpartum prophylaxis: Given to an Rh(D)-negative mother within 72 hours after delivery of an Rh(D)-positive (or Rh-unknown) infant.
  • After pregnancy loss or procedures: Following spontaneous or induced abortion, threatened abortion, ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole, or invasive procedures such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis, or external cephalic version, in Rh(D)-negative women.
  • Incompatible transfusion: After transfusion of Rh(D)-positive red blood cells or blood products to an Rh(D)-negative individual, to prevent alloimmunization (dose calculated by volume of Rh-positive cells received).
  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): Treatment of chronic or acute ITP in Rh(D)-positive, non-splenectomized patients (with select intravenous formulations), to raise platelet count.

Not Indicated

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is not used in Rh(D)-positive women for obstetric prophylaxis, and the ITP indication does not apply to Rh(D)-negative or splenectomized patients.

Dosage & Administration of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

Dosing of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is indication-specific and is expressed in micrograms (mcg) or International Units (IU), depending on the brand and formulation. Dosing and timing must be individualized by the treating physician.

IndicationTypical DoseTiming
Antenatal prophylaxis300 mcg (1500 IU) IMAround 28 weeks gestation
Postpartum prophylaxis300 mcg (1500 IU) IMWithin 72 hours of delivery of an Rh(D)-positive infant
Miscarriage/threatened abortion (first trimester)50 mcg (250 IU) IM (micro-dose)As soon as possible after the event
Amniocentesis, CVS, other invasive procedures300 mcg IMWithin 72 hours of the procedure
Incompatible Rh(D)-positive transfusionCalculated per volume of Rh-positive cells transfusedAs soon as identified
ITP treatment (select IV formulations)Weight-based dose per product labeling, adjusted to hemoglobinAs directed by physician, with monitoring

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins must be administered only by or under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Route of administration (intramuscular versus intravenous) is brand-specific; some presentations are for intramuscular use only and must never be given intravenously.

Side Effects of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

Common side effects of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins include:

  • Injection site pain, tenderness, or swelling
  • Mild fever, chills, or malaise
  • Headache and myalgia
  • Fatigue

Less common but clinically important effects (more often seen with intravenous use in the ITP indication) include hemolysis (a decrease in hemoglobin, with hemoglobinuria), back pain, and rarely, severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions. Thromboembolic events have been reported rarely with immunoglobulin products; see Precautions and Warnings for further detail.

Contraindications of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

  • Known hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulin products or any component of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins.
  • IgA-deficient patients with known antibodies against IgA, due to the risk of severe hypersensitivity/anaphylactic reactions (a class-wide caution for immunoglobulin products).
  • For the immune thrombocytopenic purpura indication specifically: Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is contraindicated in Rh(D)-negative patients and in patients who have undergone splenectomy, as the mechanism of action for this indication requires an intact spleen and Rh(D)-positive status.

Frequently Asked Questions about Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins

What is Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins used for?

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is mainly used to prevent Rh(D) alloimmunization in Rh(D)-negative pregnant women who are or may be carrying an Rh(D)-positive baby, and to prevent sensitization after miscarriage, abortion, certain prenatal procedures, or an incompatible blood transfusion. Certain formulations are also used to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in Rh(D)-positive patients with an intact spleen.

When is Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins given during pregnancy?

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is typically given around 28 weeks of pregnancy and again within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh(D)-positive. It is also given after events such as miscarriage, amniocentesis, or abdominal trauma in Rh(D)-negative women. Timing is important, and your physician will determine the exact schedule.

Is Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is specifically used during pregnancy to prevent Rh(D) sensitization, and is given only when clearly needed under a physician's guidance. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but you should always consult your physician before use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Who should not receive Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins?

Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins should not be given to people with known hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulin products, or to IgA-deficient individuals with antibodies against IgA, due to the risk of severe allergic reactions. For the ITP indication, it should not be used in Rh(D)-negative patients or those who have had their spleen removed.

What are the possible side effects of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins?

Common side effects include pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, and fatigue. Less commonly, especially with intravenous use for ITP, hemolysis, back pain, and rare severe allergic reactions or thromboembolic events can occur. Contact your physician if you notice unusual symptoms after receiving Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins.

What happens if a dose of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins is missed or delayed?

Because timing is critical for preventing Rh(D) alloimmunization, a missed or delayed dose of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulins should be reported to your physician immediately so appropriate testing and catch-up dosing can be arranged as soon as possible.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles