Privigen (human immunoglobulin g) can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. More common side effects include headache and nausea. If side effects from Privigen become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor about coping tips or other treatment options.

Privigen is used to treat:

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Privigen can cause. To learn more about this medication, including its uses, dosage, and cost, read this Privigen overview.

Privigen has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Privigen” section.

Privigen can cause certain side effects, some more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Talk with your doctor if side effects do not go away, get worse, or become too difficult to tolerate.

Privigen’s commonly reported side effects include:

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Tips for managing side effects.”

Mild side effects have been reported with Privigen. These include:

  • abdominal pain
  • chills or fever
  • diarrhea
  • throat pain
  • joint swelling
  • dizziness
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea or vomiting
  • skin rash

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop Privigen treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Privigen may cause mild side effects other than those listed here. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Tips for managing side effects.”

Privigen may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Privigen’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Privigen, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

For more information about side effects related to boxed warnings, see the “Boxed warnings for Privigen” section.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during treatment with Privigen and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Privigen can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Privigen treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Privigen, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Privigen has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Blood clots: Privigen may cause an increased risk of blood clots. This side effect wasn’t reported in Privigen’s studies, but it has been reported since the drug became available.

Symptoms of a blood clot may include swelling or pain in the affected area, skin warmth, and difficulty breathing. Certain factors may increase the risk of blood clots with Privigen, such as:

  • older ages
  • immobility for long time periods
  • thick blood or another condition that increases clotting risk
  • a past blood clot
  • medications that contain estrogen

Due to this risk, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage of Privigen needed to treat your condition.

Kidney problems: Privigen may cause an increased risk of kidney problems, including sudden kidney failure. This side effect occurred more commonly in intravenous immunoglobulin products that contain sucrose. Privigen does not contain sucrose.

Symptoms of kidney problems may include nausea and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

Having a kidney problem before starting Privigen may increase this risk. Certain other factors may also increase the risk of kidney problems with Privigen, such as:

Before you start treatment with Privigen, your doctor may check your kidney function with a blood or urine test. They’ll likely repeat these tests from time to time during your treatment. Your doctor will determine whether Privigen is safe for you.

There may be things you can do to help make certain Privigen side effects more manageable. If you have ongoing, worsening, or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest tips for managing them or recommend other available treatment options for your condition.

Joint swelling

Joint swelling was a common side effect reported in studies of Privigen.

Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or topical capsaicin
  • resting the affected joint
  • applying ice packs to the affected joint
  • wrapping the affected joint with an elastic bandage
  • elevating the affected joint to lessen swelling

If you experience significant or ongoing joint swelling, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

Skin rash

Skin rash was a common side effect reported in studies of Privigen. Steps you can take to help manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • applying an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort
  • leaving the rash uncovered by clothing if possible
  • applying a cold compress to the affected area

Skin rashes from Privigen are commonly mild. If your symptoms are bothersome, feel severe, or do not go away, talk with your doctor about ways to manage your rash.

Consider the following important information before taking Privigen.

Privigen has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see “Boxed warning for Privigen.”

Other precautions

Before taking Privigen, discuss your health history with your doctor. Privigen may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • high blood pressure
  • hyperprolinemia (a genetic condition leading to excess proline in the blood)
  • history of infection or current infection
  • history of cardiovascular risk factors
  • anemia (low red blood cell level)
  • low blood levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA)
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.