DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
BayGam is administered intramuscularly (see PRECAUTIONS), preferably in the anterolateral aspects of the upper thigh and the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. The gluteal region should not be used routinely as an injection site because of the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. Doses over 10 mL should be divided and injected into several muscle sites to reduce local pain and discomfort. An individual decision as to which muscle is injected must be made for each patient based on the volume of material to be administered. If the gluteal region is used when very large volumes are to be injected or multiple doses are necessary, the central region MUST be avoided; only the upper, outer quadrant should be used. 10
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
A number of factors beyond our control could reduce the efficacy of this product or even result in an ill effect following its use. These include improper storage and handling of the product after it leaves our hands, diagnosis, dosage, method of administration, and biological differences in individual patients. Because of these factors, it is important that this product be stored properly and that the directions be followed carefully during use.
HEPATITIS A
BayGam in a dose of 0.01 mL/lb (0.02 mL/kg) is recommended for household and institutional hepatitis A case contacts.
The following doses of BayGam are recommended for persons who plan to travel in areas where hepatitis A is common. 3
| Length of Stay |
Dose Volume |
|
Less than 3 months
|
0.02 mL/kg
|
|
3 months or longer
|
0.06 mL/kg
(repeat every 4-6 months)
|
|
MEASLES (RUBEOLA)
BayGam should be given in a dose of 0.11 mL/lb (0.25 mL/kg) to prevent or modify measles in a susceptible person exposed fewer than 6 days previously. 7
A susceptible child who is exposed to measles and who is immunocompromised should receive a dose of 0.5 mL/kg (maximum dose, 15 mL) of BayGam immediately. 8
VARICELLA
If Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (Human) is unavailable, BayGam at a dose of 0.6 to 1.2 mL/kg, promptly given, may also modify varicella.5
RUBELLA
Some studies suggest that the use of BayGam in exposed, susceptible women can lessen the likelihood of infection and fetal damage; therefore, BayGam at a dose of 0.55 mL/kg may benefit those women who will not consider a therapeutic abortion.4
IMMUNOGLOBULIN DEFICIENCY
BayGam may prevent serious infection in patients with immunoglobulin deficiencies if circulating IgG levels of approximately 200 mg/100 mL plasma are maintained. The recommended dosage is 0.66 mL/kg (at least 100 mg/kg) given every 3 to 4 weeks. 6 A double dose is given at onset of therapy; some patients may require more frequent injections.
|
