RhoGAM [Rho(D) Immune Globulin (Human)] (300 μg), used to prevent Rh immunization, a condition in which an individual with Rh-negative blood develops antibodies after exposure to Rh-positive blood.
Therapeutic Effects: Prevents antibody response and erythroblastosis fetalis in future pregnancies of women who have conceived an Rh(D)-positive fetus.
Rh immune globulin is compose of IgG antibodies and therefore is able to cross the placenta
RhoGAM should be given to a Rh-negative mother in the following clinical situations to prevent Rh immunization:
o After delivery of an Rh-positive baby within 72 hours of delivery.
o Routine prevention of Rh immunization at 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy
o Maternal or fetal bleeding during pregnancy from certain conditions
o Actual or threatened pregnancy loss at any stage.
o Ectopic pregnancy
o Aborting an Rh(D)-positive fetus
o Having chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or intraabdominal trauma while carrying an Rh(D)- positive fetus
o Accidental transfusion of Rh(D)-positive blood
Side effects include fever, headache, pain at the site of injection, and red blood cell breakdown.
Route and Dosage: One vial standard dose (300 mcg) administered IM
Nursing Interventions
1. Do not give to infant, to Rh(D)-positive individual, or to Rh(D)- negative individual previously sensitized to the Rho(D) antigen.
2. Administer into the deltoid muscle. Should be given within 3 hours but may be given up to 72 hours after delivery, miscarriage, abortion, or transfusion.
3. Explain to the patient the purpose of this medication to protect future Rh(D)-positive infants; before administering, obtain a signed consent form if required by the agency.
4. Special considerations may be indicated for women who are members of Jehovah’s Witnesses because this medication is made from human plasma.