Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Varizig (Ki Biopharma)
Serious warnings and precautions box
What VariZIG® is used for:
Prevention or reduction in severity of maternal varicella infections (chickenpox) in non-immune pregnant women that have been exposed to individuals with a varicella zoster virus infection (chickenpox).
How VariZIG® works:
Although the exact mechanism by which VariZIG works is not fully known, it is believed that antibodies in VariZIG interact with the virus to prevent or decrease the severity of chickenpox in at-risk individuals.
If you have not had chickenpox before and become exposed to someone with chickenpox, please see your physician immediately to determine whether you should receive VariZIG. Your physician will determine whether you require VariZIG based on lab tests for pre-existing immunity, the type of exposure and the time since you were exposed to someone with chickenpox.
The ingredients in VariZIG® are:
Medicinal ingredient(s): Varicella Zoster Immunoglobulin (Human)
Non-medicinal ingredients: Human plasma protein, Maltose, Polysorbate 80. VariZIG may contain trace amounts of solvent/detergent.
- VariZIG is made from human plasma, which may contain the causative agents of viral disease. The risk of getting a disease from this product has been reduced by screening plasma donors, testing for the presence of certain viruses and by utilizing manufacturing steps that inactivate and remove certain viruses. However, there is still a possibility that plasma products could transmit disease.
- Allergic or anaphylactic reactions are rare. These reactions can occur in patients with a history of allergies to blood products or in patients lacking the IgA blood protein.
VariZIG® comes in the following dosage form(s):
VariZIG is provided in single use glass vials that contain a minimum potency of 125 IU of varicella zoster antibody activity. You may be administered up to 5 vials depending on your body weight.
Do not use VariZIG® if:
- You have a history of allergic reactions to blood products.
- You are deficient in IgA, which is a specific type of blood protein.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take VariZIG®. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- You have experienced allergic reactions to blood products in the past,
- You have a known IgA deficiency,
- You have recently received any vaccinations.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
Serious drug interactions:
Serious drug interactions with VariZIG® include:
- Immune globulins like VariZIG may impair the effectiveness of certain live virus vaccines such as measles, rubella (i.e. German measles), mumps and varicella (i.e. chickenpox). Talk to your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated.
How to take VariZIG®:
VariZIG will be administered by a health care provider by an injection either intravenously (in the vein) or intramuscularly (in the muscle).
Usual dose:
The standard dose of VariZIG is 125 IU/10 kg of body weight up to a maximum of 625 IU/patient. Your individual dose of VariZIG will be determined by your weight.
Overdose:
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much VariZIG®, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Possible side effects from using VariZIG®:
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking VariZIG®. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
The most common side effects are injection site pain, chills, fever, headaches, vomiting, nausea, joint pain and rash. These side effects are usually mild, but if they require treatment ask your health care professional.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Frequency/Side Effect/Symptom | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking the/this drug (if applicable) and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| Rare | ||
| Allergic reaction | ||
| X | X | |
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Store VariZIG under refrigeration. Do not freeze. Do not use after expiration date. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about VariZIG®:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); or by calling KI BioPharma LLC at 1-866-916-0077.
Date of Authorization: February 10, 2026