human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) at a glance
Medicine class
CMV-specific human immunoglobulin given intravenously.
Licensed role
Prevention of clinical CMV manifestations during immunosuppressive treatment, especially after transplantation.
Administration
A trained clinical team gives the infusion into a vein and observes for reactions.
Vaccinations
CMVIG can reduce the response to some live vaccines; check vaccination plans with the clinical team.
What is human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) used for?
The selected product is licensed for prevention rather than stand-alone treatment of active CMV disease.
Prevention of clinical CMV manifestations in people receiving immunosuppressive therapy, particularly transplant recipients.
Antiviral prophylaxis may also be considered when clinically appropriate.
It is not licensed to prevent congenital CMV; randomised trials have not shown benefit for this purpose.
How does human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) work?
CMVIG supplies polyclonal IgG antibodies that bind CMV surface proteins. This can neutralise circulating virus, reduce entry into cells and promote immune clearance.
How to take human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG)
CMVIG is a ready-to-use intravenous infusion administered by trained staff. Hydration and clinical monitoring are important, particularly with risks of kidney injury, thrombosis or infusion reactions.
Tell staff promptly if you feel unwell; the infusion may need to be slowed or stopped.
Food does not affect administration because CMVIG is not taken by mouth.
The solution must not be mixed with other medicines or intravenous immunoglobulins.
human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Chills, fever or tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, redness or itching
- Joint or lower-back pain
- Temporary low blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Blood clot, including heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism or deep-vein thrombosis
- Acute kidney injury
- Aseptic meningitis
- Destruction of red blood cells and haemolytic anaemia
- Acute lung injury
human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) in pregnancy
Controlled safety evidence is limited, so use requires specialist assessment and caution. Immunoglobulin crosses the placenta, particularly later in pregnancy, but clinical experience has not suggested harm. CMVIG is not licensed to prevent congenital CMV, and trials have not shown benefit for that purpose.
human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) while breastfeeding
Immunoglobulins pass into breast milk, but harmful effects in breastfed infants are not anticipated. The prescriber should consider the clinical need and the mother's circumstances.
human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG) interactions
Tell the specialist team about medicines and planned vaccinations before treatment.
Live attenuated viral vaccines, including measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
Transferred antibodies can reduce vaccine effectiveness, so vaccination timing should be checked with the clinical team.
Loop diuretics
Concomitant use should be avoided because it may add to fluid or kidney-related risks.
Common questions about human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (CMVIG)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is CMVIG made from?
It is made from pooled human donor plasma and contains mainly IgG selected for high levels of antibodies against CMV.
Is CMVIG the same as standard IVIg?
No. It is specifically enriched with antibodies against CMV, although it also contains antibodies against other pathogens.
Can CMVIG treat active CMV infection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.