What is Cytogam®?
This is a product that contains quite a high amount of antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV). It can be used along with antiviral medicines to prevent and treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections.
What Cytogam® looks like
It comes in a glass bottle.
How to take Cytogam®
Cytogam® is always given directly into your vein at the hospital, either on an inpatient ward or in the medical day care unit.
- To prevent CMV: Cytogam® is given every two weeks for a total of 12 weeks after certain types of organ transplant.
- To treat CMV: Cytogam® is given several times a week for a few weeks and then given once a week for another few weeks. The plan for each patient will be co-ordinated by your transplant team and the hospital's infectious diseases team (doctors that specialize in treating infections).
It usually takes between two to four hours to complete the infusion of Cytogam®. Nurses start the infusion slowly and check your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing every 15 minutes. They will increase the speed of the infusion as long as you are feeling well.
What to do if you vomit while taking Cytogam®
Cytogam® is given directly into your vein and is not affected by vomiting.
What to do if you have diarrhea (watery stools)
Cytogam® is given directly into your vein and is not affected by diarrhea.
Possible side effects of Cytogam®
In general, patients tolerate Cytogam® quite well. However, during or shortly after the infusion, some patients experience side effects such as:
- fever or chills
- flushing of the face
- increased heart rate
- lower blood pressure
- nausea, vomiting
- headache
- muscle aches.
