human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin at a glance
Medicine class
Virus-specific human immunoglobulin providing passive antibodies.
Licensed role
Prevention of varicella after exposure in susceptible people at increased risk of severe disease.
Administration
Normally given into muscle by a healthcare professional.
Current practice
Intramuscular VZIG has been withdrawn in the UK. Antivirals are generally used instead, with intravenous immunoglobulin reserved for particular high-risk neonatal situations.
What is human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin used for?
It is licensed to prevent varicella after exposure in susceptible people at increased risk of severe infection.
Pregnant people without evidence of immunity, particularly before late pregnancy.
Babies exposed around birth because their mother develops chickenpox.
Certain newborn or premature babies lacking reliable maternal protection.
Susceptible adults and children receiving immunosuppressive treatment or with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency.
Intramuscular VZIG has been withdrawn in the UK, so clinicians should follow current specialist post-exposure pathways.
How does human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin work?
It contains mainly IgG antibodies against varicella-zoster virus. These ready-made antibodies provide immediate, temporary protection or may lessen infection; they do not create the same lasting immune response as vaccination.
How to take human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin
A healthcare professional normally gives it into muscle. It must not be injected into a blood vessel. If a bleeding disorder makes intramuscular injection unsuitable, administration under the skin may be considered, although supporting efficacy data are lacking.
The solution should be brought to room or body temperature before use.
Cloudy solution or solution containing deposits must not be used.
A large injection volume may be divided between different sites.
The vial is for single use and should be used immediately after opening.
human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects, with frequency not known, include injection-site pain, swelling, redness, warmth, itching, bruising or rash.
- Headache, dizziness, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, malaise or lower-back pain may occur.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, including a sudden fall in blood pressure.
- Possible blood-clot symptoms such as chest pain, sudden breathlessness, limb pain or swelling, or a new neurological deficit.
human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin in pregnancy
It is licensed for certain susceptible pregnant people after exposure, although controlled pregnancy safety trials are unavailable. Experience with immunoglobulins has not suggested harm to pregnancy or the baby. Current UK practice generally favours antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis, so prompt assessment by a GP, midwife or specialist is important.
human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin while breastfeeding
Immunoglobulins pass into breast milk and may help protect the baby at mucosal surfaces. Discuss breastfeeding and the reason for treatment with the prescriber.
human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin interactions
Tell the immunisation team about recent or planned vaccines and blood tests.
Live attenuated viral vaccines
Passive antibodies can reduce responses to vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, so vaccination timing may need to change.
Serological and red-cell antibody tests
Passively transferred antibodies can temporarily cause misleading positive results, including interference with direct antiglobulin testing.
Common questions about human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is human varicella-zoster immunoglobulin a vaccine?
No. It supplies ready-made antibodies for temporary passive protection rather than stimulating lasting immunity like a vaccine.
Does it treat chickenpox?
No. Its licensed role is prevention after exposure in susceptible high-risk people, not treatment of established severe chickenpox.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.