Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Human normal immunoglobulin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Human normal immunoglobulin

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 2 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

What Gamten is Gamten is a human normal immunoglobulin (IgG) solution (i.e. solution of human antibodies) for intravenous administration (i.e. infusion into a vein). Immunoglobulins are normal constituents of the human body and support the immune defence of your body. Gamten contains all IgG activities which are present in the normal population. Adequate doses of this medicinal product may restore abnormally low IgG levels to the normal range. Gamten has a broad spectrum of antibodies against various infectious agents. What Gamten is used for Gamten is used as replacement therapy in children, adolescents (0-18 years) and adults in different groups of patients: –

Patients with inborn deficiency of antibodies (primary immunodeficiency syndromes, such as congenital agammaglobulinaemia and hypogammaglobulinaemia, common variable immunodeficiency, severe combined immunodeficiencies)

–

Patients with an acquired deficiency of antibodies (secondary immunodeficiency) due to specific diseases and/or treatments and experiencing severe or recurrent infections

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Gamten can be used for the treatment of susceptible adults, children and adolescents (0-18 years) who have been exposed to measles or are at risk of measles exposure and in whom active vaccination against measles is not indicated or not advised. Gamten can be further used in the treatment of the following autoimmune disorders (immunomodulation):

2

–

in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a condition where the platelets get destroyed and are therefore reduced in number, and who have a high risk of bleeding or need to correct the platelet count prior to surgery.

–

in patients with Kawasaki disease, a condition that leads to inflammation of various organs.

–

in patients with Guillain Barré syndrome, a condition that leads to inflammation of certain parts of the nervous system.

–

in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the peripheral parts of the nervous system which causes muscle weakness and/or numbness mainly in the legs and arms.

–

in patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), a condition that is characterized by slow progressive asymmetrical weakness of limbs without sensory loss.

–

in adult patients with active dermatomyositis (DM), a condition that leads to muscle inflammation and changes in your skin. Typical symptoms are progressive symmetric muscles weakness as well as typical changes of the skin such as rash on different body parts (e.g. eyelids, cheeks, nose, back, elbows, knuckles) and a scaly, rough and dry skin. Gamten can be used in patients who are treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, or if these drugs are contraindicated or not well tolerated.

What you need to know before you take it

e Gamten

Do not use Gamten: –

if you are allergic to human immunoglobulin or any of the other ingredients contained in Gamten (listed in section 6).

–

if you have a deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgA deficiency) and if you have developed antibodies against immunoglobulins of the type IgA.

Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Gamten. It is strongly recommended that every time you receive a dose of Gamten the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a record of the batches used. Certain adverse reactions may occur more frequently: •

in case of high rate of infusion

•

when you receive Gamten for the first time or, in rare cases, when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion.

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•

when you have an untreated infection or an underlying chronic inflammation

In the case of an adverse reaction, either the rate of administration must be reduced or the infusion must be stopped. The treatment of the adverse event required will depend on the nature and severity of the side effect. Circumstances and conditions increasing the risk of having side effects •

Thromboembolic events such as heart attack, stroke, and obstructions of a deep vein for example in the calves or of a blood vessel in the lung may occur very rarely after administration of Gamten. These types of events occur more commonly, although very rarely, in patients with risk factors, such as obesity, advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, dermatomyositis, previous occurrences of such events, prolonged periods of immobilisations, and intake of certain hormones (e.g. the pill). Ensure a balanced fluid intake; moreover Gamten should be administered as slowly as possible.

•

If you had kidney problems in the past or if you have certain risk factors like diabetes, overweight, or age over 65, Gamten should be administered as slowly as possible because cases of acute kidney failure have been reported in patients, although very rarely, with such risk factors. Tell your doctor, even when any of the abovementioned circumstances had happened to you in the past.

•

Patients with blood group A, B or AB as well as patients with certain inflammatory conditions have a higher risk of red blood cells being destroyed by the administered immunoglobulins (called haemolysis).

When may slowing or stopping the infusion be required?

  • Strong headaches and neck stiffness may rarely occur several hours to 2 days following Gamten treatment. •

•

Allergic reactions are rare, but can induce an anaphylactic shock, even in patients who had tolerated the previous treatments. A sudden fall in blood pressure or shock may be consequences of an anaphylactic reaction. In very rare cases transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) can occur after receiving immunoglobulins including Gamten. This will lead to non-heart related accumulation of fluid in the air spaces of the lungs. You will recognize TRALI by severe difficulty in breathing, normal heart function and increased body temperature (fever). Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 6 hours after receiving treatment.

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if you notice such reactions during or after the infusion of Gamten. He or she will decide whether to decrease the infusion rate or to stop the infusion completely or if further measures are necessary. •

Sometimes immunoglobulin solutions such as Gamten can trigger a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Normally this condition resolves spontaneously within 1-2 weeks.

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Virus safety When medicines are made from human blood or plasma, certain measures are put in place to prevent infections being passed on to patients. These include:

  • careful selection of blood and plasma donors to make sure those at risk of carrying infections are excluded
  • testing of each donation and pools of plasma for signs of virus/infections
  • steps included by the manufacturers in the processing of the blood or plasma that can inactivate or remove viruses. Despite these measures, when medicines prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of passing on infection cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to any unknown or emerging viruses or other types of infections. The measures taken are considered effective for encapsulated viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. The measures taken may be of limited value against non-encapsulated viruses such as hepatitis A virus and parvovirus B19. Immunoglobulins have not been associated with hepatitis A or parvovirus B19 infections possibly because the antibodies against these infections, which are contained in the product, are protective. Children and adolescents There are no specific or additional warnings or precautions applicable for children and adolescents. Other medicines and Gamten Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, or if you have received a vaccination in the last three months. The infusion line may be flushed before and after administration of Gamten with either 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose solution. Concomitant use of loop diuretics should be avoided. Gamten may impair the effect of live attenuated virus vaccines such as measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. After administration of this product, an interval of 3 months should elapse before vaccination with live attenuated virus vaccines. In the case of measles, this impairment may persist for up to 1 year. Effects on blood tests If you have a blood test after receiving Gamten, please inform the person taking your blood or your doctor that you have received a human normal immunoglobulin solution, as this treatment may affect the results.

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Blood Glucose Testing Some types of blood glucose testing systems (so called glucometers) falsely interpret the maltose contained in Gamten as glucose. This may result in falsely elevated glucose readings during an infusion and for a period of about 15 hours after the end of the infusion and, consequently, in the inappropriate administration of insulin, resulting in life-threatening hypoglycaemia (i.e. a decreased blood sugar level). Also, cases of true hypoglycaemia may go untreated if the hypoglycaemic state is masked by falsely elevated glucose readings. Accordingly, when administering Gamten or other maltose-containing products, the measurement of blood glucose must be done with a test-system using a glucose-specific method. Systems based on the glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinolinequinone (GDH PQQ) or glucose-dye-oxidoreductase methods should not be used. Review carefully the product information of the blood glucose testing system, including that of the test strips, to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. If any uncertainty exists, please ask your treating physician to determine if the glucose testing system you are using is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. Gamten with food, drink and alcohol No effects have been observed. While using Gamten adequate hydration before infusion should be taken into account. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials and therefore should only be given with caution to pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. Immunoglobulin preparations have been shown to cross the placenta, increasingly during the third trimester. Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy, or on the foetus and the neonate are to be expected. Immunoglobulins are excreted into human milk. No negative effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated. Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on fertility are to be expected. Driving and using machines Gamten has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, patients who experience adverse reactions during treatment should wait for these to resolve before driving or operating machines.

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Gamten contains sodium 100 mL of this medicinal product contains 69 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt). This is equivalent to 3.45% of the recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 3

How to take it

Gamten

Your doctor will decide if you need Gamten and at what dose. Gamten is administered as an intravenous infusion (infusion into a vein) by healthcare personnel. The dose and dosage regimen is dependent on the indication and may need to be individualised for each patient. •

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use in children and adolescents The administration (intravenously) of Gamten in children and adolescents (0-18 years) does not differ from the administration in adults. If you receive more Gamten than you should Overdose is very unlikely to occur because Gamten is usually administered under medical supervision. If, in spite of this, you receive more Gamten than you should, your blood may become too thick (hyperviscous) which might increase the risk of developing blood clots. This may happen particularly if you are a patient at risk, for example if you are elderly or if you suffer from a heart or kidney disease. Make sure you are well hydrated. Tell your doctor if you are known to have medical problems. If you forgot to use Gamten Please talk to your doctor and discuss on how to further proceed. 4

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this type of medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from any of the serious side effects listed below (all are very rare and may affect up to 1 in 10,000 infusions). In some cases, your doctor may need to interrupt treatment and reduce your dose or stop treatment: • • • • • •

Swelling of the face, tongue and windpipe that can cause great difficulty in breathing A sudden allergic reaction with shortness of breath, rash, wheezing and drop of blood pressure Stroke that may cause weakness and / or loss of sensation down one side of the body Heart attack causing chest pain Blood clot causing pain and swelling of limbs Blood clot in lung causing chest pain and breathlessness

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• • • •

Anaemia causing shortness of breath or looking pale Severe kidney disorder that may cause you to not pass urine A lung condition referred to as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) causing difficulty in breathing, bluish skin, fever, a decrease in blood pressure Severe headache in combination with any of the following symptoms as neck stiffness, sleepiness, fever, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting (this can be signs of meningitis).

If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact your doctor as soon as possible. The following other side effects have also been reported with this medicine: Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 infusions):

  • Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Fever Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 infusions):
  • Lack of different types of blood cells
  • Changes in heart beat
  • Vomiting
  • Stroke
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling, prickling sensation in skin
  • Shivering
  • Blurred vision
  • Clots in blood vessels
  • Blockage of a deep vein
  • Blockage of an artery in the lung
  • Back pain
  • Chest pain
  • Pains in joints or muscles
  • Involuntary muscles contraction
  • Pain in legs or arms
  • Breathing disorders
  • Chills
  • Feeling tired, generally unwell or weak
  • Fluid in tissues of extremities
  • Skin reactions at injection site
  • Abnormalities in blood test reports (i.e. of liver function, or red blood cells) Further side effects that did not occur in clinical studies, but have also been reported, are:
  • Fluid overload
  • Too low sodium in blood
  • Feeling agitated, anxious, confused or nervous
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Speech disorder Loss of consciousness Reduced sense of touch or sensation Sensitivity to light Impaired vision Angina pectoris Palpitations Temporary bluish lips or other parts of skin Circulatory collapse or shock Vein inflammation Pale color of the skin Cough Pulmonary oedema (accumulation of fluid in the lung) Bronchospasm (difficulty in breathing or wheezing) Respiratory failure Lack of oxygen in the blood Diarrhoea, abdominal pain Hives, skin itching Redness of skin Skin rash Peeling of the skin Inflammation of the skin Hair loss Muscle weakness or stiffness Strong painful muscle contraction Neck pain Kidney pain Swelling of the skin (oedema) Flushing, increased sweating Chest discomfort Flu-like symptoms Feeling cold or hot Drowsiness Burning sensation False readings for blood sugar measurements

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system (for details see below). Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

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5

How to store it

Gamten

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Gamten after the expiry date which is stated on the label and the carton. Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not freeze. The product may be removed from the refrigerator for a single period of up to 9 months (without exceeding the expiry date) and stored at a temperature ≤ 25°C. At the end of this period, the product should not be refrigerated again and should be disposed of. The date at which the product was taken out of the refrigerator should be recorded on the outer carton. After first opening, the medicine should be used immediately. Do not use Gamten if you notice that the solution is cloudy, has deposits or is coloured intensively. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6

Contents of the pack and other information

What Gamten contains − The active substance is human normal immunoglobulin (human antibodies) 100 mg/ml (at least 95% is immunoglobulin G). − The other ingredients are maltose and water for injections. What Gamten looks like and contents of the pack Gamten is a solution for infusion and is available in vials (2g/20 ml) or bottles (5g/50 ml, 6g/60 ml, 10g/100 ml, 20g/200 ml, 30g/300 ml). Pack sizes: 2g 5g 6g 10 g 20 g 3 x 10 g 3 x 20 g 30 g

in in in in in in in in

20 ml 50 ml 60 ml 100 ml 200 ml 3 x 100 ml 3 x 200 ml 300 ml

The solution is clear or slightly opalescent, colourless or slightly yellow. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing authorisation holder OCTAPHARMA Ltd Glassworks House 32 Shudehill 20260217_pil_853_UK_SS_02.00_en eMC

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Manchester M4 1EZ United Kingdom Manufacturers Octapharma Pharmazeutika Produktionsges.m.b.H. Oberlaaer Strasse 235, A-1100 Vienna, Austria Octapharma AB SE-112 75 Stockholm, Sweden This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden:

Octagam 100 mg/ml

Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland):

Octagam 10%

Italy:

Gamten 100 mg/ml

Spain:

Octagamocta 100 mg/ml

This leaflet was last revised in November 2025. The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only:

  • The product should be brought to room or body temperature before use.
  • The solution should be clear to slightly opalescent and colourless to slightly yellow.
  • Do not use solutions that are cloudy or have deposits.
  • Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
  • This medicinal product should not be mixed with other medicinal products.
  • In order to infuse any product that may remain in the infusion tubing at the end of the infusion the tubing may be flushed with either 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose solution.

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Frequently asked questions about Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion

How do I take Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion?

Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion comes as infusion containing 100mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion?

The active substance in Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion is human normal immunoglobulin.

Are there equivalent medicines to Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Gammaplex 10% 100 mg/ml solution for infusion, Gamunex 10%, 100 mg/ml, solution for infusion, HyQvia 100 mg/ml solution for infusion for subcutaneous use. In total there are 7 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Human normal immunoglobulin (22 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Replacement therapy in adults, and children and adolescents (0-18 years) in:

• Primary immunodeficiency syndromes (PID) with impaired antibody production

• Secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) in patients who suffer from severe or recurrent infections, ineffective antimicrobial treatment and either proven specific antibody failure (PSAF)* or serum IgG level of <4g/l.

*PSAF=failure to mount at least a 2-fold rise in IgG antibody titre to pneumococcal polysaccharide and polypeptide antigen vaccines

Measles pre-/post exposure prophylaxis for susceptible adults, children and adolescents (0-18 years) in whom active immunisation is contraindicated or not advised.

Consideration should also be given to official recommendations on intravenous human immunoglobulin use in measles pre-/post exposure prophylaxis and active immunisation.

Immunomodulation in adults, and children and adolescents (0-18 years) in:

• Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), in patients at high risk of bleeding or prior to surgery to correct the platelet count

• Guillain Barré syndrome

• Kawasaki disease (in conjunction with acetylsalicylic acid; see 4.2)

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)

• Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)

Immunomodulation in adults with:

• Active dermatomyositis treated with immunosuppressive drugs including corticosteroids, or with intolerance or contra-indications to those drugs

4.2. Posology and method of administration

IVIg therapy should be initiated and monitored under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of immune system disorders.

Posology

The dose and dose regimen are dependent on the indication.

The dose may need to be individualised for each patient dependent on the clinical response. Dose based on bodyweight may require adjustment in underweight or overweight patients. In overweight patients dose should be based on the physiological standard bodyweight.

The following dosage regimens are given as guidance:

Replacement therapy in primary immunodeficiency syndromes

The dose regimen should achieve a trough level of IgG (measured before the next infusion) of at least 6 g/L or within the normal reference range for the population age. 3 – 6 months are required after the initiation of therapy for equilibration (steady-state IgG levels) to occur. The recommended starting dose is 0.4 - 0.8 g/kg given once, followed by at least 0.2 g/kg every 3 – 4 weeks.

The dose required to achieve a trough level of 6 g/L is of the order of 0.2 - 0.8 g/kg/month.

The dosage interval when steady state has been reached varies from 3 - 4 weeks.

IgG trough levels should be measured and assessed in conjunction with the incidence of infection. To reduce the rate of bacterial infections, it may be necessary to increase the dosage and aim for higher trough levels.

Replacement therapy in secondary immunodeficiencies (as defined in 4.1.)

The recommended dose is 0.2-0.4 g/kg every 3 – 4weeks.

IgG trough levels should be measured and assessed in conjunction with the incidence of infection. Dose should be adjusted as necessary to achieve optimal protection against infections, an increase may be necessary in patients with persisting infection; a dose decrease can be considered when the patient remains infection free.

Measles pre-/post exposure prophylaxis

Post-exposure prophylaxis

If a susceptible patient has been exposed to measles, a dose of 0.4 g/kg given as soon as possible and within 6 days of exposure should provide a serum level > 240 mIU/mL of measles antibodies for at least 2 weeks. Serum levels should be checked after 2 weeks and documented. A further dose of 0.4 g/kg possibly to be repeated once after 2 weeks may be necessary to maintain the serum level > 240 mIU/ml.

If a PID/SID patient has been exposed to measles and regularly receives IVIg infusions, it should be considered to administer an extra dose of IVIg as soon as possible and within 6 days of exposure. A dose of 0.4 g/kg should provide a serum level > 240 mIU/ml of measles antibodies for at least 2 weeks.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis

If a PID/SID patient is at risk of future measles exposure and receives an IVIg maintenance dose of less than 0.53 g/kg every 3–4 weeks, this dose should be increased once to 0.53 g/kg. This should provide a serum level of >240 mIU/ml of measles antibodies for at least 22 days after infusion.

Immunomodulation in:

Primary immune thrombocytopenia

There are two alternative treatment schedules:

• 0.8-1g/kg given on day 1; this dose may be repeated once within 3 days.

• 0.4 g/kg given daily for 2 – 5days. The treatment can be repeated if relapse occurs.

Guillain Barré syndrome:

0.4 g/kg/day over 5 days (possible repeat of dosing in case of relapse).

Kawasaki disease:

2.0 g/kg should be administered as a single dose. Patients should receive concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP):

Starting dose: 2g/kg divided over 2-5 consecutive days.

Maintenance doses:

1 g/kg over 1-2 consecutive days every 3 weeks.

The treatment effect should be evaluated after each cycle; if no treatment effect is seen after 6 months, the treatment should be discontinued.

If the treatment is effective, long-term treatment should be subject to the physician's discretion based upon the patient response and maintenance response. The dosing and intervals may have to be adapted according to the individual course of the disease.

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)

Starting dose: 2g/kg divided over 2-5 consecutive days

Maintenance dose: 1 g/kg every 2 to 4 weeks or 2 g/kg every 4 to 8 weeks.

The treatment effect should be evaluated after each cycle; if no treatment effect is seen after 6 months, the treatment should be discontinued.

If the treatment is effective, long-term treatment should be subject to the physician's discretion based upon the patient's response and maintenance response. The dosing and intervals may have to be adapted according to the individual course of the disease.

Dermatomyositis (DM)

2g/kg given divided in equal doses over 2-5 consecutive days every 4 weeks.

The treatment effect should be evaluated after each cycle; if no treatment effect is seen after 6 months, the treatment should be discontinued.

If the treatment is effective, long-term treatment should be subject to the physician's discretion based upon the patient's response and maintenance response (see Section 5.1). The dosing and intervals may have to be adapted according to the individual course of the disease.

The dosage recommendations are summarised in the following table:

Indication

Dose

Frequency of injections

Replacement therapy

Primary immunodeficiency syndromes

Starting dose:

0.4-0.8 g/kg

Maintainance dose:

0.2-0.8 g/kg

every 3 - 4 weeks

Secondary immunodeficiencies (as defined in 4.1.)

0.2–0.4 g/kg

every 3 - 4 weeks

Measles pre/post exposure prophylaxis:

Post-exposure prophylaxis in susceptible patients

0.4 g/kg

As soon as possible and within 6 days, possibly to be repeated once after 2 weeks to maintain the measles antibody serum level > 240 mIU/ml

Post-exposure prophylaxis in PID/SID patients

0.4 g/kg

In addition to maintenance therapy, given as an extra dose within 6 days of exposure

Pre-exposure prophylaxis in PID/SID patients

0.53 g/kg

If a patient receives a maintenance dose of less than 0.53 g/kg every 3–4 weeks, this dose should be increased once to at least 0.53 g/kg.

Immunomodulation:

Primary immune thrombocytopenia

0.8 – 1 g/kg

or

0.4 g/kg/d

on day 1, possibly repeated once within 3 days

for 2-5 days

Guillain Barré syndrome

0.4 g/kg/d

for 5 days

Kawasaki disease

2 g/kg

in one dose in association with acetylsalicylic acid

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)

Starting dose:

2 g/kg

Maintainance dose:

1 g/kg

in divided doses 2–5 consecutive days

every 3 weeks in divided doses over 1-2 days

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)

Starting dose:

2 g/kg

Maintenance dose:

1g/kg

or

2g/kg

in divided doses 2–5 consecutive days

every 2-4 weeks

or

every 4-8 weeks in divided doses over 2-5 days

Dermatomyositis (DM) in adults

2 g/kg

every 4 weeks, divided in equal doses given over 2-5 consecutive days

Paediatric population

The posology in children and adolescents (0-18 years) is not different to that of adults as the posology for each indication is given by body weight and must be adjusted to the clinical outcome of the above mentioned conditions.

Hepatic impairment

No evidence is available to require a dose adjustment.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment unless clinically warranted, see section 4.4.

Elderly

No dose adjustment unless clinically warranted, see section 4.4.

Method of administration

For intravenous use.

Gamten should be infused intravenously at an initial rate of 0.6 mL/kg/hr for 30 minutes. See section 4.4. In case of adverse reaction, either the rate of administration must be reduced or the infusion stopped. If well tolerated, the rate of administration may gradually be increased to a maximum of 7.2 mL/kg/hr.

In patients at risk for thromboembolic adverse reactions, IVIg products should be administered at the minimum rate of infusion and dose practicable.

Patients with dermatomyositis are considered patients at increased risk for thromboembolic events (see section 4.4) and should therefore be carefully monitored and infusion rate should not exceed 2.4 ml/kg/hr.

In order to infuse any product that may remain in the infusion tubing at the end of the infusion the tubing may be flushed with either 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose solution.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance (human immunoglobulins) or to any of the excipients (see Section 4.4 and 6.1).

Patients with selective IgA deficiency who developed antibodies to IgA, as administering an IgA-containing product can result in anaphylaxis.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

This medicinal product contains 90 mg of maltose per ml as an excipient. The interference of maltose in blood glucose assays may result in falsely elevated glucose readings and, consequently, in the inappropriate administration of insulin, resulting in life threatening hypoglycaemia and death. Also, cases of true hypoglycaemia may go untreated if the hypoglycaemic state is masked by falsely elevated glucose readings (see Section 4.5). For acute renal failure see below.

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

Precautions for use

Potential complications can often be avoided by ensuring that patients:

• are not sensitive to human normal immunoglobulin by initially injecting the product slowly (0.6 to 1.2 mL/kg/hr);

• are carefully monitored for any symptoms throughout the infusion period. In particular, patients naive to human normal immunoglobulin, patients switched from an alternative IVIg product or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion should be monitored during the first infusion and for the first hour after the first infusion in a controlled healthcare setting in order to detect potential adverse signs and to ensure that emergency treatment can be administered immediately should problems occur. All other patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration.

In all patients, IVIg administration requires:

• adequate hydration prior to the initiation of the IVIg infusion

• monitoring of urine output

• monitoring of serum creatinine levels

• avoidance of concomitant use of loop diuretics (see 4.5)

In case of adverse reaction, either the infusion rate must be reduced or the infusion stopped. The treatment required depends on the nature and severity of the adverse reaction.

Infusion-related reaction

Certain adverse reactions (e.g. headache, flushing, chills, myalgia, wheezing, tachycardia, lower back pain, nausea, and hypotension) may be related to the rate of infusion. The recommended infusion rate given under section 4.2 must be closely followed. Patients must be closely monitored and carefully observed for any symptoms throughout the infusion period.

Adverse reactions may occur more frequently:

• in patients who receive human normal immunoglobulin for the first time or, in rare cases, when the human normal immunoglobulin product is switched or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion

• in patients with an untreated infection or underlying chronic inflammation

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions are rare.

Anaphylaxis can develop in patients

• with undetectable IgA who have anti-IgA antibodies

• who had tolerated previous treatment with human normal immunoglobulin

In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.

Thromboembolism

There is clinical evidence of an association between IVIg administration and thromboembolic events such as myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident (including stroke), pulmonary embolism and deep vein thromboses which is assumed to be related to a relative increase in blood viscosity through the high influx of immunoglobulin in at-risk patients. Caution should be exercised in prescribing and infusing IVIg in obese patients and in patients with pre-existing risk factors for thrombotic events (such as advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dermatomyositis and a history of vascular disease or thrombotic episodes, patients with acquired or inherited thrombophilic disorders, patients with prolonged periods of immobilisation, severely hypovolemic patients, patients with diseases which increase blood viscosity).

In patients at risk for thromboembolic adverse reactions, IVIg products should be administered at the minimum rate of infusion and dose practicable.

Acute renal failure

Cases of acute renal failure have been reported in patients receiving IVIg therapy. In most cases, risk factors have been identified, such as pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypovolaemia, overweight, concomitant nephrotoxic medicinal products or age over 65.

Renal parameters should be assessed prior to infusion of IVIg, particularly in patients judged to have a potential increased risk for developing acute renal failure, and again at appropriate intervals. In patients at risk for acute renal failure, IVIg products should be administered at the minimum rate of infusion and dose practicable.

In case of renal impairment, IVIg discontinuation should be considered.

While reports of renal dysfunction and acute renal failure have been associated with the use of many of the licensed IVIg products containing various excipients such as sucrose, glucose and maltose, those containing sucrose as a stabiliser accounted for a disproportionate share of the total number. In patients at risk, the use of IVIg products not containing such excipients may be considered. Gamten contains maltose (see excipients above).

Aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS)

Aseptic meningitis syndrome has been reported to occur in association with IVIg treatment. The syndrome usually begins within several hours to 2 days following IVIg treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies are frequently positive with pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per mm3, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dl.

AMS may occur more frequently in association with high-dose (2 g/kg) IVIg treatment.

Patients exhibiting such signs and symptoms should receive a thorough neurological examination, including CSF studies, to rule out other causes of meningitis.

Discontinuation of IVIg treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae.

Haemolytic anaemia

IVIg products can contain blood group antibodies which may act as haemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells (RBC) with immunoglobulin, causing a positive direct antiglobulin reaction (Coombs' test) and, rarely, haemolysis. Haemolytic anaemia can develop subsequent to IVIg therapy due to enhanced RBC sequestration. IVIg recipients should be monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of haemolysis (see section 4.8).

Neutropenia/Leukopenia

A transient decrease in neutrophil count and/or episodes of neutropenia, sometimes severe, have been reported after treatment with IVIg. This typically occurs within hours or days after IVIg administration and resolves spontaneously within 7 to 14 days.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)

In patients receiving IVIg, there have been reports of acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema [Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)]. TRALI is characterised by severe hypoxia, dyspnoea, tachypnoea, cyanosis, fever and hypotension. Symptoms of TRALI typically develop during or within 6 hours of a transfusion, often within 1-2 hours. Therefore, IVIg recipients must be monitored for and IVIg infusion must be immediately stopped in case of pulmonary adverse reactions. TRALI is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate intensive-care-unit management.

Interference with serological testing

After the administration of immunoglobulin the transitory rise of the various passively transferred antibodies in the patient's blood may result in misleading positive results in serological testing.

Passive transmission of antibodies to erythrocyte antigens, e.g. A, B, D may interfere with some serological tests for red cell antibodies for example the direct antiglobulin test (DAT, direct Coombs' test).

Transmissible agents

Standard measures to prevent infections resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma include selection of donors, screening of individual donations and plasma pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion of effective manufacturing steps for the inactivation/removal of viruses. Despite this, when medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of transmitting infective agents cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.

The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as HIV, HBV and HCV.

The measures taken may be of limited value against non-enveloped viruses such as HAV and parvovirus B19.

There is a reassuring clinical experience regarding the lack of hepatitis A or parvovirus B19 transmission with immunoglobulins and it is also assumed that the antibody content makes an important contribution to the viral safety.

Sodium content

This medicinal product contains 69 mg sodium per 100 ml, equivalent to 3.45% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

(Falsely) raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate

In patients who are receiving IVIg as a therapy, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may falsely be increased (noninflammatory rise).

Circulatory (volume) overload

Circulatory (volume) overload can occur when the volume of the infused IVIg (or any other blood or plasma-derived product) and other coincidental infusions cause acute hypervolaemia and acute pulmonary oedema.

Local injection site reactions:

Local reactions at the injection site have been identified which might include extravasation, infusion site erythema, infusion site pruritus, and similar symptoms.

Paediatric population

The listed warnings and precautions apply both to adults and children.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Live attenuated virus vaccines

Immunoglobulin administration may impair for a period of at least 6 weeks and up to 3 months the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. After administration of this medicinal product, an interval of 3 months should elapse before vaccination with live attenuated virus vaccines. In the case of measles, this impairment may persist for up to 1 year. Therefore, patients receiving measles vaccine should have their antibody status checked.

Loop diuretics

Avoidance of concomitant use of loop diuretics

Blood Glucose Testing

Some types of blood glucose testing systems (for example, those based on the glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinolinequinone (GDH-PQQ) or glucose-dye-oxidoreductase methods) falsely interpret the maltose (90 mg/ml) contained in Gamten as glucose. This may result in falsely elevated glucose readings during an infusion and for a period of about 15 hours after the end of the infusion and, consequently, in the inappropriate administration of insulin, resulting in life-threatening or even fatal hypoglycemia. Also, cases of true hypoglycemia may go untreated if the hypoglycemic state is masked by falsely elevated glucose readings. Accordingly, when administering Gamten or other parenteral maltose- containing products, the measurement of blood glucose must be done with a glucose-specific method.

The product information of the blood glucose testing system, including that of the test strips, should be carefully reviewed to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. If any uncertainty exists, contact the manufacturer of the testing system to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose- containing parenteral products.

Paediatric population

The listed interactions apply both to adults and children.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials and therefore should only be given with caution to pregnant women. IVIg products have been shown to cross the placenta, increasingly during the third trimester. Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy, or on the foetus and the neonate are to be expected.

Breast-feeding

The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials and therefore should only be given with caution to breast-feeding mothers. Immunoglobulins are excreted into human milk. No negative effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated.

Fertility

Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on fertility are to be expected.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Gamten has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, patients who experience adverse reactions during treatment should wait for these to resolve before driving or operating machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Adverse reactions caused by human normal immunoglobulins (in decreasing frequency) encompass (see also Section 4.4):

• chills, headache, dizziness, fever, vomiting, allergic reactions, nausea, arthralgia, low blood pressure and moderate low back pain

• reversible haemolytic reactions; especially in those patients with blood groups A, B, and AB and (rarely) haemolytic anaemia requiring transfusion.

• (rarely) a sudden fall in blood pressure and, in isolated cases, anaphylactic shock, even when the patient has shown no hypersensitivity to previous administration.

• (rarely) transient cutaneous reactions (including cutaneous lupus erythematosus - frequency unknown)

• (very rarely) thromboembolic reactions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thromboses

• cases of reversible aseptic meningitis

• cases of increased serum creatinine level and/or occurrence of acute renal failure

• cases of Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The table presented below is according to the MedDRA system organ classification (SOC and Preferred Term Level).

Frequencies have been evaluated according to the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each Organ Class, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Frequency of adverse drug reactions in clinical studies with Octagam:

MedDRA System Organ Classification (SOC) according to the sequence:

Adverse Reaction

Frequency per patient

Frequency per infusion

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

anaemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia

uncommon

uncommon

Immune system disorders (see section 4.4)

hypersensitivity

common

common

Eye disorders

vision blurred

uncommon

uncommon

Nervous system disorders

headache

very common

common

dizziness

common

uncommon

paresthesia, tremor

uncommon

uncommon

cerebrovascular accident (See 4.4), hypoaesthesia, cerebral infarction

uncommon

rare

Cardiac disorders

tachycardia

common

uncommon

Vascular disorders

hypertension

common

common

thrombosis (see 4.4)

uncommon

rare

Gastrointestinal disorders

nausea

common

common

vomiting

common

uncommon

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

myalgia, pain in extremity

common

uncommon

back pain, arthralgia, muscle spasms

uncommon

uncommon

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

dyspnoea

uncommon

uncommon

pulmonary embolism (See 4.4)

uncommon

rare

General disorders and administration site conditions

fever

common

common

fatigue, injection site reaction, chills

common

uncommon

chest pain, asthenia, peripheral swelling, malaise

uncommon

uncommon

Investigations

hepatic enzymes increased, Coombs test positive

common

uncommon

hemoglobin decreased

uncommon

uncommon

The following reactions have been reported from post-marketing experience with Octagam

Frequencies for post-marketing reported reactions cannot be estimated from the available data.

MedDRA System Organ Classification (SOC) according to the sequence:

Adverse Reaction (Preferred Term Level)

Frequency

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

haemolytic anaemia

not known

Immune system disorders (see section 4.4)

anaphylactic shock;anaphylactic reaction;anaphylactoid reaction;angioedema;face oedema

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Metabolic and nutritional disorders

fluid overload(pseudo)hyponatraemia

not known

not known

Psychiatric disorders

confusional stateagitationanxietynervousness

not known

not known

not known

not known

Nervous system disorders

meningitis aseptic; loss of consciousness;speech disorder;migraine;photophobia;

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Eye disorders

visual impairment

not known

Cardiac disorders

myocardial infarction (see 4.4);angina pectoris;bradycardia;palpitations;cyanosis

not known

not known

not known not known

not known

Vascular disorders

circulatory collapse;peripheral circulatory failure;phlebitis;hypotension;pallor

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

respiratory failure;pulmonary oedema;bronchospasm;hypoxia;

cough

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

diarrhoea;abdominal pain

not known

not known

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

skin exfoliation;urticaria;rash;rash erythematous;dermatitis;pruritus;alopeciaerythema

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

neck pain;muscular weakness;musculoskeletal stiffness

not known

not known

not known

Renal and urinary disorders

renal failure acute (see 4.4) ; renal pain

not known

not known

General disorders and administration site conditions

oedema;influenza like illnesshot flush;flushing;feeling cold;feeling hot; hyperhidrosis;chest discomfort;lethargy;burning sensation;

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

not known

Investigations

blood glucose false positive (see 4.4)

not known

Description of selected adverse reactions

For description of selected adverse events, such as hypersensitivity reactions, thromboembolism, acute renal failure, aseptic meningitis syndrome and haemolytic anaemia, see Section 4.4

Paediatric population

In clinical studies with Octagam most adverse reactions observed in children were graded as mild and many of them responded to simple measurements such as reduction of the infusion rate or temporary discontinuation of the infusion. With respect to the type of adverse reaction, all were recognised for IVIg preparations. The most frequent adverse reaction observed in the paediatric population was headache.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system.

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

4.9. Overdose

Overdose may lead to fluid overload and hyperviscosity, particularly in patients at risk, including infants, elderly patients or patients with cardiac or renal impairment (see section 4.4).

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Gamten, 100 mg/ml solution for infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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