Kiovig (Normal Immunoglobulin (Human))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kiovig Used For?
Kiovig contains human antibodies that help your body fight infections. It’s used when your body doesn’t make enough antibodies on its own or when you need extra antibodies to treat certain inflammatory conditions.
Primary Uses
Kiovig treats patients who don’t have sufficient antibodies (replacement therapy) including primary immunodeficiency disorders and secondary hypogammaglobulinemia. It also treats inflammatory disorders like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Guillain Barré syndrome, Kawasaki disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in adults, and multifocal motor neuropathy.
How It Works
Kiovig contains human antibodies isolated from donated plasma. These antibodies help your immune system fight infections and can reduce inflammation in certain conditions. The medicine undergoes extensive viral inactivation procedures to ensure safety.
Good to know: Kiovig contains the same type of antibodies naturally found in your blood, helping to restore your body’s natural defense system.
How to Take Kiovig
Kiovig is given as an infusion either into a vein (intravenous) or under the skin (subcutaneous). Your doctor will determine the best method for you and will start the infusion slowly, gradually increasing the rate based on how well you tolerate it.
Dosage Instructions
Kiovig is a 10% solution (100 mg/mL). Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on your condition and body weight. Each person receives a different dosage that may vary between visits. If approved for self-administration, you’ll receive proper training from your healthcare team.
Important: Never attempt to give yourself Kiovig until you have been properly trained by your healthcare professional and understand all procedures.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Infusion site reactions: redness, warmth, itching, swelling, mild to moderate pain, bruising
- Headache or migraine
- Chills and mild fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea
- Rash or hives
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness or increased blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever or signs of infection
- Chest pain or breathing problems
- Night sweats
- Reduced urination, sudden weight gain, or leg swelling (kidney problems)
- Brown or red urine, fast heart rate, yellow skin or eyes (liver or blood problems)
- Severe allergic reactions: hives, mouth/throat swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting
- Severe headache with nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, fever, light sensitivity (brain lining irritation)
- Pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or lumps in legs or arms (blood clots)
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips or extremities (serious heart or lung problems)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before starting Kiovig treatment. Your doctor needs to know about your medical history and current health conditions.
Who Should Not Take Kiovig
Don’t use Kiovig if you’re allergic to immunoglobulins or any ingredients in the medicine. Also avoid if you have immunoglobulin A deficiency, as you may have antibodies against IgA that could cause an allergic reaction.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel disease (including stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure), are a smoker, have had blood clots, have family history of blood clots or high cholesterol, have diabetes, take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or have breathing difficulties or anemia.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use of Kiovig during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended due to insufficient safety information. If treatment is necessary during pregnancy, it should only be given if clearly needed after discussing risks and benefits with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Kiovig and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Vaccination Alert: Tell your doctor if you’re planning to receive any immunizations, as Kiovig may affect vaccine effectiveness for several months.
- Live virus vaccines (mumps, rubella, varicella, measles) – effects may be impaired for up to 6 months or longer
Alcohol & Driving
Limited information is available about alcohol use and driving while receiving Kiovig treatment.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Kiovig. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Kiovig affects you, as no specific information is available about its effects on these activities.
Storage
Store Kiovig in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C for up to 36 months. Do not freeze. Keep the container in the outer carton to protect from light. Keep out of reach of children. Take any unused or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve received too much Kiovig, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe varies depending on your condition. Your doctor will monitor your progress, especially during the first few days of treatment, and discuss how you’re responding to the therapy.
Only if your doctor determines you’re suitable for self-administration and you receive proper training. You must never attempt to self-administer until you’ve been trained by healthcare professionals and understand all procedures.
Use during pregnancy is not recommended due to insufficient safety information. If treatment is necessary during pregnancy, it should only be given if clearly needed after discussing risks and benefits with your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects. For serious reactions like breathing problems, chest pain, severe allergic reactions, or signs of blood clots, seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency department.
Tell your doctor before receiving any immunizations. Kiovig may reduce the effectiveness of live virus vaccines (mumps, rubella, varicella) for up to 6 months and measles vaccine for a year or more.
Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C for up to 36 months. Don’t freeze it. Keep it in the outer carton to protect from light and away from children.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional that you’re being treated with Kiovig, especially if you’re planning to receive immunizations or other treatments.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.