Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a solution of human plasma proteins and in particular IgG antibodies with a broad spectrum of antibody activity. IVIg is prepared from large pools of human plasma collected from several thousand blood donors and contains the typical IgG antibodies found in the normal population. IVIg is used for patients who need replacement of antibodies and also for autoimmune disorders.
IVIg can be obtained under National Blood Supply or Direct Order arrangements. Refer to the National Blood Authority website about the supply of IVIg in Australia.
Prescription of IVIg often requires specialist consultation. Always read and refer to the product information sheet of every product prior to administration.
Criteria for the clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulin
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is issued in accordance with the Criteria for the clinical use of imunoglobulin in Australia.
The criteria describe the conditions and circumstances for which IVIg is funded under the national blood supply arrangements.
Access to intravenous immunoglobulin
In all states/territories government funded IVIg is accessed online by registered users of BloodSTAR.
BloodSTAR is the National Blood Authority’s online system that facilitates authorisation, dispensing and reviews of immunoglobulin products such as IVIg. To register for BloodSTAR you will need to create an account with the National Blood Authority’s BLOODportal.
Intragam® 10 is an Australian manufactured IVIg product accessed under the National Blood Supply (NBS) arrangements.
Intragam® 10 is supplied by CSL Behring and available as a 10% solution in sizes: 2.5 g/25 mL, 10 g/ 100 mL and 20 g/200 mL.
Refer to the Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia for specific indications and product information sheet for further information.
Information on supply and pricing is outlined in the National Blood Authority website.
Intragam® 10 product information
This link takes you to CSL Behring's web information about Intragam® 10 where you can download the product information (PI) sheet for this product. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage & administration of Intragam® 10.
Privigen® is an imported IVIg product.
Privigen® is supplied by CSL Behring and available as a 10% solution in vial sizes 5 g/50 mL, 10 g/100 mL, 20 g/200 mL and 40 g/400 mL.
Refer to the Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia for specific indications and product information sheet for further information.
Information on supply and pricing is outlined in the National Blood Authority website.
This link takes you to CSL Behring's web information about Privigen® where you can download the product information (PI) sheet for this product. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage & administration of Privigen®.
Flebogamma® is an imported IVIg product. Flebogamma® is supplied by Grifols and available in both 5% and 10% formulations.
Refer to the Criteria for the clinical use of clinical immunoglobulin for specific indications and product information sheet for further information.
Information on supply and pricing is outlined in the National Blood Authority website.
Flebogamma® 5% DIF
Flebogamma® 5% DIF is available in vial sizes 0.5 g/10 mL, 2.5 g/50 mL, 5 g/100 mL, 10 g/200 mL and 20 g/400 mL.
Flebogamma® 5% product information
This link takes you to Grifol's web information about Flebogamma® 5% DIF where you can download the product information (PI) sheet for this product. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage and administration of Flebogamma® 5% DIF.
Flebogamma® 10% DIF
Flebogamma® 10% DIF is available in vial sizes 5 g/50 mL, 10 g/100 mL and 20 g/200 mL.
Flebogamma® 10% product information
This link takes you to Grifol's web information about Flebogamma® 10% DIF where you can download the product information (PI) sheet for this product. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage and administration of Flebogamma® 10% DIF.
Gamunex® will be available for supply from 1 November 2019. Gamunex® is an imported IVIg product. Gamunex® is supplied by Grifols and available as a 10% solution in vial sizes 5 g/50 mL, 10 g/100 mL and 20 g/200 mL.
Refer to the Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia for specific indications and product information sheet for further information.
Information on supply and pricing is outlined in the National Blood Authority website.
This link takes you to Grifol's web information about Gamunex® where you can download the product information (PI) sheet for this product. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage & administration of Gamunex®.
Octagam® 10% is an imported IVIg product. Octagam® 10% is supplied by Octapharma and available as a 10% solution in vial sizes 5 g/50 mL, 10 g/100 mL and 20 g/200 mL.
Refer to the Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia for specific indications and product information sheet for further information.
Information on supply and pricing is outlined in the National Blood Authority website.
Octagam® 10% product information
This link takes you to Octapharma's PI for Octagam® 10%. The PI details the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy & lactation, and dosage & administration of Octagam® 10%.
Further information
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that immunoglobulin containing blood products, apart from RhD Immunoglobulin (“Anti-D”), should not be administered for 3 weeks following vaccination with live attenuated vaccines. MMR containing vaccines should not be given for 3-11 months following the receipt of immunoglobulin containing blood products. Further information regarding all vaccines should be obtained from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
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