💉 Anti-D (Rho[D]) Immunoglobulin – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Anti-D Immunoglobulin is a sterile, purified immunoglobulin (IgG) containing specific antibodies against the Rhesus D (RhD) antigen. It is used to prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative individuals exposed to Rh-positive red blood cells, particularly in pregnancy and childbirth.
- Source: Human plasma with high anti-D antibody titers
- Form: Solution for intramuscular (IM) injection
- Also known as: Rho(D) Immune Globulin
📝 Prescription:
Indications:
- Pregnancy-related prophylaxis:
- Rh-negative mothers during or after delivery of an Rh-positive baby
- After miscarriage, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or invasive procedures (e.g., amniocentesis)
- Blood transfusion prophylaxis:
- Rh-negative individuals accidentally transfused with Rh-positive blood
Standard Dosage:
- 300 µg (1500 IU) IM within 72 hours of exposure to Rh-positive red cells
- Smaller doses (e.g., 100 µg or 250 IU) may be used for early pregnancy (<12 weeks)
- Additional doses may be required depending on the volume of fetal blood exposure
🌿 Nature:
- Passive immunization using human-derived anti-D antibodies
- Prevents immune system from developing long-term antibodies against Rh-positive cells
- Does not treat existing sensitization
✅ Advantages:
- Prevents Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) in future pregnancies
- Safe, effective, and widely used
- Reduces the risk of maternal alloimmunization to <1% when administered correctly
- Long clinical history of use in obstetrics
⚠️ Precautions:
- Confirm that patient is Rh-negative and not already sensitized
- Do not administer intravenously unless labeled for IV use
- Use with caution in individuals with IgA deficiency
- Watch for signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
- Avoid in Rh-positive patients
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Do not freeze
- Protect from light
- Discard if the solution is cloudy or has particles
📦 Common Packaging:
- Available in pre-filled syringes or vials
- Common strengths: 100 µg (500 IU), 300 µg (1500 IU)
- Each pack includes:
- Dose label
- Instructions for administration
- Batch number and expiry date
👩⚕️ Patient Advice
- This injection protects future pregnancies by preventing immune sensitization.
- It is not a vaccine – it provides short-term protection only.
- Must be given within 72 hours of delivery or exposure for best effect.
- You may need more than one dose in certain cases (large fetal-maternal bleed).
- Tell your doctor if you’ve had any blood product allergies.
- Continue routine antenatal care and follow vaccination schedule as advised.
- Report fever, swelling, or allergic reaction at the injection site.