Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin

What is Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin for?

Your blood type has two parts - the ABO type and the Rh factor. The Rh factor is a protein found on your red blood cells. If you have this protein, you are Rh-positive. If you don't have it, you are Rh-negative.
When a Rh-negative person is exposed to Rh-positive blood, their body may create antibodies to fight against it. This can happen during:

• Pregnancy where a Rh-negative mother carries a Rh-positive baby
• Blood transfusion where a Rh-negative person receives Rh-positive blood

In pregnancy, if a Rh-negative mother develops these antibodies, they can cross the placenta and harm future Rh-positive babies, causing a serious condition called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).
Human Anti-D immunoglobulin prevents this problem by:

• Protecting Rh-negative pregnant women from developing antibodies that could harm their current or future Rh-positive babies
• Protecting Rh-negative individuals who have received Rh-positive blood transfusions
   

How should I take or use Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin?

This medication will be given as an injection into your muscle (usually in the upper arm or thigh) by your healthcare provider
For pregnant women, you will typically receive this medication:

• Around 28 weeks of pregnancy
• Within 72 hours after delivery if your baby is Rh-positive
• After certain procedures during pregnancy such as amniocentesis
• After any bleeding episodes or abdominal trauma during pregnancy
• After an abortion, miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
   

What precautions should I take when taking or using Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• Your recent history of vaccinations
• You have an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency
• You have any bleeding disorders

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin?

Inform your healthcare provider if you need or have had any recent vaccinations, especially live vaccines (such as measles, mumps, or rubella). 

What are some common side effects of Human Anti-D Immunoglobulin?

Common side effects include:

• Pain, tenderness, redness or hardness at the injection site
  • You may place a cold compress over the affected area for relief
  • You may take paracetamol for pain relief
• Headache, fever
  • You may take paracetamol to treat the headache or fever
• Muscle ache and fatigue
  • These side effects will usually resolve and go away.      

Most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own. 

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Other serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include: 

• Signs of shock such as severe dizziness, rapid pulse, or fainting
• Severe back pain
• Signs of severe allergic reaction that include wheezing and low blood pressure