07.15.2019

Hospitals Alerted to National Shortage of Immune Globulin Product

DPH issued a notice to hospitals last week indicating that it is aware of the nationwide shortage of Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG), and urged pharmacy managers to re-familiarize themselves with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Guidelines on Managing Drug Product Shortages.
 
IVIG is a product made up of antibodies that is given intravenously to patients whose bodies are, for a variety of reasons, not producing enough antibodies to fight infections. Other patients need IVIG if their own immune system is attacking their bodies’ normal cells.
 
The FDA has identified three manufacturers whose immune globulin product is in limited supply: GAMMAGARD LIQUID® Immune Globulin Infusion, Gammaplex® Immune Globulin Intravenous, and Cuvitru® Immune Globulin Subcutaneous 20% Solution.