Gamunex vs Gammaguard

[Betty04]

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

[Buster]

A comparison can be found at:

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/docs/files/DSho...pdatedDec07.pdf

 

Essentially the big difference is the amount of sugar in the Gamunex versus gammagard.

 

People on the forum have reported similiar efficacy with slightly higher headaches being reported with gammagard (at least from the local sample). Dr. K uses Gamunex.

 

Buster

 

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

[EAMom]

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

 

The infusion center we used (Stanford) normally uses Gammaguard but we were able to request Gamunex. We did it ahead of time, but it might still be possible to request it now.

[laurenjohnsonsmom]

Hi Betty,

 

Both are equally effective. You have to use a dextrose flush with the gammunex where you can use saline with gammuguatd. Just different manufactures. The key to both is the use of iv fluids to keep these kids hydrated (less side effects like really bad headaches/bodyaches). Push oral fluids a few days before and a lot, after, it will make a huge difference!

 

Good luck!

 

Lynn

 

 

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

[Betty04]

Thanks everyone for the information! Obviously anxiety is running high the day before the IVIG and need lots of reassurance!

[EAMom]

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

 

Good point about the flush Lynn.

 

Dh had to watch the nurses closely b/c the infusion center was more used to using Gammaguard (but we had Gammunex)...and they tried to flush with saline. Dh reminded them not to use saline and they were like "oh yeah." The 2nd day there were different nurses who seemed a little more on the ball.

 

re fluids: We asked the doc about adding on some IV fluids (in addition to the IVIG) to help with hydration. The doc felt that would be too much fluids for our dd. So, had to rely on just oral fluids. Benedryl and tylenol help too. I think there are a few kids that have gotten IV fluids with IVIG...so maybe that partly depends on the doc/IVIG dose/infusion center?

 

One more thing, not to make you paranoid: I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

Edited April 22, 2010 by EAMom

[melanie]

Does anyone know if there is an outcome difference between Gamunex and Gammaguard? I am not sure which one we will be receiving but wanted to be sure that they are equally effective? Thanks!

 

Good point about the flush Lynn.

 

Dh had to watch the nurses closely b/c the infusion center was more used to using Gammaguard (but we had Gammunex)...and they tried to flush with saline. Dh reminded them not to use saline and they were like "oh yeah." The 2nd day there were different nurses who seemed a little more on the ball.

 

We asked the doc about adding on some IV fluids (in addition to the IVIG) to help with hydration. The doc felt that would be too much fluids for our dd. So, had to rely on just oral fluids. Benedryl and tylenol help too. I think there are a few kids that have gotten IV fluids with IVIG...so maybe that partly depends on the doc?

 

I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

 

We were using Privigin Didnt like it!! Now were using gammunex much better with the side effects

[Buster]

I'm sure I make the nurses nervous -- I'm sort of a detail guy :-) Just too many stories of screw ups so I check everything. Buster

One more thing, not to make you paranoid: I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

[melanie]

I'm sure I make the nurses nervous -- I'm sort of a detail guy :-) Just too many stories of screw ups so I check everything. Buster

One more thing, not to make you paranoid: I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

How do you know?

[Buster]

Well, in our case, the dosing was 1g/kg/day which would make 26g for that day. They were dosing 18g and had read that it was .5g/kg/day with 1kg/kg total. So when I looked at the bottle and it said 100ml Gamunex 10% and second bottle was smaller of 80ml and the tag said 18gm total -- it was sort of obvious. Then when the nurse came in and said we need to do a saline flush at the end, I said "you mean Dextrose 5%" and she said "oh, right you are using Gamunex." It was very very busy there but when things are busy, I get a bit hyper vigilant -- I'm sort of protective in a bear sort of way.

 

Buster

 

 

I'm sure I make the nurses nervous -- I'm sort of a detail guy :-) Just too many stories of screw ups so I check everything. Buster

One more thing, not to make you paranoid: I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

How do you know?

Edited April 23, 2010 by Buster

[Betty04]

Thanks. I just converted my son's weight to kgs so I will know what to expect with the dose. We'll double check the numbers, I actually would not have thought to do that. Then again I just had knee surgery a couple weeks ago and had to write in Yes with a black marker on the knee I wanted surgery on... so obviously mistakes happen!

[melanie]

Well, in our case, the dosing was 1g/kg/day which would make 26g for that day. They were dosing 18g and had read that it was .5g/kg/day with 1kg/kg total. So when I looked at the bottle and it said 100ml Gamunex 10% and second bottle was smaller of 80ml and the tag said 18gm total -- it was sort of obvious. Then when the nurse came in and said we need to do a saline flush at the end, I said "you mean Dextrose 5%" and she said "oh, right you are using Gamunex." It was very very busy there but when things are busy, I get a bit hyper vigilant -- I'm sort of protective in a bear sort of way.

 

Buster

 

 

I'm sure I make the nurses nervous -- I'm sort of a detail guy :-) Just too many stories of screw ups so I check everything. Buster

One more thing, not to make you paranoid: I would also recommend checking that your son is getting the right dose (!!!). Dh checked the bag and it turned out the pharmacy had actually underdosed dd, so they had to fix that too (add on another bag).

How do you know?

 

 

I need to hire a BUSTER for help with the IVs

[norcalmom]

ok, now I'm scared ot use stanford....maybe should fly to chicago. The does, the flush, anything else that could have completely screwed up the entire thing?