What is BabyBIG?

Botulism immune globulin is a sterilized solution made from human plasma. It contains the antibodies to help your body protect itself against infection caused by botulism toxin type A and B.

Botulism immune globulin is used to treat infant botulism caused by toxin type A or B. This medication is used in children who are younger than 1 year old.

Botulism immune globulin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about BabyBIG?

Before your baby receives botulism immune globulin, tell your doctor if the baby has kidney disease, diabetes, a life-threatening infection, or if the baby is dehydrated, or has recently received any vaccinations.

Your baby should not receive live-virus vaccines against polio, measles, mumps, rubella, or rotavirus for at least 5 months after receiving botulism immune globulin. Live vaccines may not work as well during this time. If your baby was recently vaccinated before treatment with botulism immune globulin, he or she may need to be vaccinated again to be fully protected. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Botulism immune globulin can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when this medication is used together with other drugs that can harm the kidneys. Before your baby is treated with botulism immune globulin, tell your doctor if the baby is receiving chemotherapy, medicines to treat a bowel disorder, medication to prevent organ transplant rejection, antiviral medications, pain medicines, or any IV antibiotics.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your baby may need blood tests. Do not miss any follow-up appointments after treatment with botulism immune globulin.

Botulism immune globulin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your child with this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking BabyBIG?

Your baby should not receive this medication if he or she has ever had an allergic reaction to an immune globulin, or if the child has immune globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA.

If your baby has certain conditions, he or she may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before your baby receives botulism immune globulin, tell your doctor if the baby has:

kidney disease
diabetes
a life-threatening infection
if the baby is dehydrated; or
if the baby has recently received any vaccinations

BabyBIG Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of BabyBIG?

Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with botulism immune globulin.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your baby’s caregivers at once if the baby has a serious side effect such as:

trouble breathing, blue lips, pale skin
urinating less than usual, fewer wet diapers than usual
fever with headache, neck stiffness, sleepiness, sensitivity to light, vomiting
trouble swallowing, noisy breathing, slow breathing
vomiting, diarrhea, more wet diapers than usual; or
feeding problems, white patches in the mouth

Less serious side effects may include:

mild skin rash or redness on the baby’s face, chest, back, or stomach
fussiness, excessive crying; or
stuffy nose, cough, chills

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BabyBIG Interactions

What other drugs affect BabyBIG?

Botulism immune globulin can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when this medication is used together with other drugs that can harm the kidneys. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.

Before your baby is treated with botulism immune globulin, tell your doctor about all other medications your baby is receiving, especially:

chemotherapy
medicines to treat a bowel disorder
medication to prevent organ transplant rejection
antiviral medications
pain or arthritis medicines, including aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); or
any IV antibiotics

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with botulism immune globulin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking BabyBIG?

If your baby was recently vaccinated before treatment with botulism immune globulin, he or she may need to be vaccinated again to be fully protected. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

BabyBIG Dosage

How should I take BabyBIG?

To best participate in the care of your baby while he or she is being treated with botulism immune globulin, carefully follow all instructions provided by your baby’s caregivers.

Botulism immune globulin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your baby will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take over an hour to complete.

Your baby’s breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during treatment with botulism immune globulin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your baby may need blood tests.

Do not miss any follow-up appointments after treatment with botulism immune globulin.

What happens if I overdose on BabyBIG?

Since botulism immune globulin is given in a controlled medical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur.

What happens if I miss a dose of BabyBIG?

Since botulism immune globulin is usually given as a single IV infusion, your baby is not likely be on a daily dosing schedule.

Edited from everydayhealth.com

BabyBIG