A blood protein fraction that contains antibodies.
Proteins obtained from human plasma; passive immunizing agents. Immune globulins are used to protect immunocompromised people against hepatitis A and B, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, varicella (chickenpox), human rabies, and tetanus. They are also given to people who are not immunocompromised: for example, immune globulins are recommended for newborn babies exposed to chickenpox and for mothers who contract chickenpox shortly before or after delivery. The immunity provided by immune globulins starts immediately, but it lasts for only a few months.
Drug created from serum containing antibodies (immunoglobulins).
Drug created from serum containing antibodies (immunoglobulins). It is used to supply necessary antibodies to patients with immunoglobulin deficiencies and to provide passive immunization against common viral infections (e.g., hepatitis A, measles). It also has been used successfully to treat patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura because it seems to inhibit phagocytosis of platelets coated with autoantibodies, although the exact mechanism of its action is unknown.
A sterile mixture of antibodies extracted from someone who has recovered from measles, administered via injection to provide immediate passive immunity for individuals urgently needing measles treatment.