Abstract

VariZIG (Cangene Corporation, Winnipeg, Canada) is the only varicella zoster immune globulin preparation available in the United States for postexposure prophylaxis of varicella in persons at high risk for severe disease who lack evidence of immunity to varicella and are ineligible for varicella vaccine. VariZIG is available in the United States through an investigational new drug (IND) application expanded access protocol. VariZIG is a purified immune globulin preparation made from human plasma containing high levels of anti-varicella zoster virus antibodies (immunoglobulin G). In May 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an extended period for administering VariZIG. The period after exposure to varicella zoster virus during which a patient may receive VariZIG, which had been 96 hours (4 days), is now 10 days. VariZIG should be administered as soon as possible after exposure.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Source

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 61:12 2012 Mar 30 pg 212

MeSH

Adult
Drug Approval
Female
Herpes Zoster
Humans
Immune Sera
Immunization Schedule
Immunization, Passive
Immunocompromised Host
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Investigational New Drug Application
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
United States
United States Food and Drug Administration

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22456121