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Octagam Fact Sheet

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Drug name: Octagam

Manufacturer: Octapharma

Generic name: Human immune globulin intravenous (IGIV)

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What Is Octagam Infusion?

Octagam infusion is an intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) that contains high levels of antibodies derived from the plasma of healthy people. It is a sterile liquid preparation used to boost the body’s natural immune system so it can fight infections and protect the body against diseases.

Immunocompromised people who cannot make sufficient antibodies to fight infections receive IVIG therapy.

Octagam IVIG is an FDA-approved therapy for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and primary humoral immunodeficiencies (PI), such as:

  • Wiskott-aldrich syndrome 
  • X-linked agammaglobulinemia 
  • Congenital agammaglobulinemia 
  • Common variable immunodeficiency
  • Severe combined immunodeficiencies

The infusion is available as 5% and 10% liquid preparations.

Side Effects

A sad Asian woman

Common Side Effects of Octagam Infusion Are:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Increased heart rate (reported with >5% incidence)

Dangerous Adverse Reactions Include:

  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Aseptic meningitis
  • Thromboembolic events
  • Immediate anaphylactic reactions

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of allergic reactions such as hives; difficulty breathing; wheezing; neck stiffness; swelling in lips, tongue, throat; and dizziness.

Other Side Effects of Octagam Include:

  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Flushing
  • Vomiting
  • Back pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chest pain/discomfort
  • Pain and swelling at the injection site

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Who Should Avoid Octagam IVIG?

Patients with a history of immune globulin allergy, corn allergy, and immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with IgA antibodies should not use Octagam infusions. The infusion can cause thrombosis and renal dysfunction.

Before starting treatment, discuss with your healthcare provider if you have/are:

  • Sepsis
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnant
  • Older than 65
  • Kidney disease
  • Paraproteinemia
  • Hyperproteinemia
  • Using birth control pills
  • Severe illness and bedridden
  • History of thrombosis and stroke
  • Using indwelling vascular catheters
  • Heart disease or blood circulation disorders

Warnings

Stop using Octagam and seek medical attention if you observe the following symptoms:

Symptoms of Clotting in the Brain

Vision and balance problems, confusion, weakness, and numbness. (Monitor signs and symptoms of thrombosis.)

Signs of Clots in the Lungs and Heart

Coughing blood, difficulty breathing, elevated heart rate, wheezing, and chest pain.

Signs of Clot Formation in Legs

Pain and swelling in legs.

Signs of Kidney Problems

Swelling or urination problems. (Monitor serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine output.)

What Are Octagam’s Uses?

Octagam infusion contains antibodies that are defensive substances against specific infectious agents. These antibodies fight and protect the body from infections. These infusions increase the number of platelets and are therefore used to treat blood disorders. 

IVIG therapy also helps treat muscle weakness problems and nerve disorders.

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A syringe in a vialOctagam IVIG Indications and Dosing

Octagam infusions are available as 5% and 10% liquid preparation.

Octagam 5

Octagam 5 is a 5% sterile solution containing 50 mg/ml of human immune globulin G (IgG). It helps treat primary humoral immunodeficiencies (PI) such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, congenital agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.

It is administered intravenously only. Its dose for treating primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) is 300 – 600 mg/kg every 3 to 4 weeks with an initial infusion rate of 0.5 mg/kg/min and a 3.33 mg/kg/min maintenance infusion rate if tolerated.

Available strengths include 1 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g, or 25 g.

Octagam 10

Octagam 10 is a 10% sterile solution containing 100 mg/ml of human immune globulin G (IgG). It helps treat chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults. It prevents bleeding in adults by quickly increasing platelet count.

Octagam 10 infusion is administered intravenously only. Its dose for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is 1 g/kg daily for two consecutive days with an initial infusion rate of 1 mg/kg/min (0.01 mL/kg/min) and up to 12 mg/kg/min (Up to 0.12 mL/kg/min) maintenance infusion rate if tolerated.

Available strengths include 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, or 30 g.

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Octagam injection sites

What Is the Cost?

Octagam 5% intravenous sterile solution costs $460.25 for 50 ml ($9.21 per unit). The cost of the 10% solution is $370.10 for 20 ml ($18.51 per unit).

The cost of Octagam 5% intravenous solution is shown in the table below:

QuantityPer unitPrice
50 ml$9.21$460.25
100 ml$9.11$910.99
200 ml$9.06$1,812.49

The cost of Octagam 10% intravenous solution is shown in the table below:

QuantityPer unitPrice
20 ml$18.51$370.10
50 ml$18.22$910.99
100 ml$18.12$1,812.49
200 ml$18.08$3,615.48
300 ml$18.06$5,418.46

Octagam Copay Assistance Programs

HealthWell Foundation sponsors a copay assistance program to assist patients by providing free or discounted medications to those who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Must be a resident of the USA.
  2. Must have a disease diagnosis approved by the FDA.
  3. May have insurance.

Octagam infusions are included in this program.

For more details, please call 800-675-8416 or visit the HealthWell Foundation website.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care. This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY Karim Tobgy, RPh

Karim Tobgy, RPh was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He graduated from Cairo University in 2009 and has been a practicing pharmacist for 12 years and is certified in Sterile Products (IV) & USP (797). The most rewarding part of his job is seeing the impact of his care as a Pharmacist on the patients' quality of life. He is currently precepting students from Marshall B. Ketchum University. In his free time, he enjoys watching documentaries and playing soccer. See Author Biography

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