hepatitis b immune globulin human

Hepatitis B immune globulin (Also known as HBIg) provides immediate, short-term protection against hepatitis B infection, which in turn attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Basically, Hepatitis B immune globulin has large amounts of hepatitis B antibodies taken from donated human blood. It is worth noting that antibodies are proteins that a person’s immune system makes to fight germs, such as bacteria and viruses like hepatitis B. If you have been exposed to this virus and have not received the hepatitis B vaccine in the past, you should get one dose of Hepatitis B immune globulin. Bear in mind that HBIg works best if given as soon as possible and within 14 days after exposure to the hepatitis B virus. When it comes to the side effects of Hepatitis B immune globulin, they may include soreness where the immunization was given. Headache, fever, nausea, sore muscles or joints, diarrhea, or allergic reactions (hives or swelling) may also occur. When HBIg is given to pregnant women who have hepatitis B infection, the high levels of antibodies to the virus pass easily across the placenta to the child to protect against the infection. In fact, this works best during the last third of pregnancy. On a side note, there are still no data on the excretion of hepatitis B immune globulin into breast-milk.