Facing the CMV threat

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes family of viruses and infects approximately 60%–90% of the general US population.¹ In individuals with healthy immune systems, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state, causing minimal or no clinical manifestation.

However, among individuals with compromised immune systems, the virus can cause life-threatening and/or sight-threatening illness.¹

Patients who are immunosuppressed following solid organ transplantation are at high-risk of CMV infection.² In these patients, CMV can be associated with conditions such as pneumonitis or hepatitis, or with complications such as acute or chronic rejection of a transplanted organ.²

1. McDevitt LM. Etiology and impact of cytomegalovirus disease on solid organ transplant recipients. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2001:63(1)(Suppl 5):S3-S9.

2. Razonable RR. Epidemiology of cytomegalovirus disease in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Am J Health Syst Pharm. Apr 15 2005;62(8 Suppl 1):S7-13.

© 2008 CSL Behring

Important Safety Information

Cytogam^® is indicated for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus disease associated with transplantation of kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, and heart.

Cytogam^® is contraindicated in individuals with a history of a prior severe reaction associated with the administration of this or other human immunoglobulin preparations and in persons with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency who have known antibodies to IgA.

Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis and death. Patients predisposed to acute renal failure include patients with any degree of preexisting renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65, volume depletion, sepsis, paraproteinemia or patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs. Especially in such patients, IGIV products should be administered at the minimum concentrations available and the minimum rate of infusion practicable.

Increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been observed as soon as one to two days following IGIV infusion. Progression to oliguria or anuria requiring dialysis has been observed.

Cytogam^® is derived from human plasma. As with all plasma-derived products, the risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.

Minor reactions, such as flushing, chills, muscle cramps, back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and wheezing, were the most frequent adverse reactions observed during the clinical trials for Cytogam^®.

For more information about Cytogam^®, please see the full prescribing information.

Cytogam^® is a registered trademark of CSL Behring AG.