Octagam is one of many brand names in the United States for the generically termed immune globulin. The Mayo Clinic states it is an immunizing agent that can boost the body's immune system to help it treat or prevent maladies such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and primary humoral immunodeficiency. Octagam also may be prescribed and administered by a physician for other illnesses such as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and dermatomyositis.
Tachycardia
There are only a couple of serious common side effects associated with taking Octagam via injection, the Mayo Clinic reports. The first includes an elevated heart rate, an arrhythmia known as tachycardia. Except for well-conditioned athletes---who have lower normal heartbeats than other people---most adults have heart rates at rest of between 60 and 100 beats per minute, with the average at approximately 80 beats each minute. The heart may speed up because of many medications, including Octagam. The person's heart also may beat more strongly or appear to pound, even producing a pounding sensation in his ears. These palpitations, also known as an arrhythmia, are serious as well. He should consult his physician as soon as possible if he notices changes in his heartbeat.
Breathing Problems
The other serious common side effect of Octagam is problems with the person's breathing. She may become short of breath, wheeze when she exhales or have some other form of breathing difficulties when she takes the drug. The Mayo Clinic recommends contacting her doctor as soon as she can for medical attention if she has any problems breathing.
Pain and Cramps
Taking Octagam shots also may induce several forms of pain in the person's body. He may, for example, experience pain in his back or in his head. He also may feel pain in his muscles and joints. He may get pain at the site of injection beyond that normally associated with having a needle inserted into the skin. His leg muscles also may spasm or cramp, which can cause intense pain for a short period. These types of pain, the National Institute of Health reports, generally are not serious side effects of taking Octagam, but should be reported to the physician administering the drug if they become severe or continue beyond a few days.
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