RhoGAM FAQs

What is RhoGAM?

RhoGAM is an Rh o(D) immune globulin. The treatment is made of human plasma and stops a pregnant woman with Rh negative blood from reacting against the Rh positive blood of her fetus. RhoGAM is normally given to a woman once during the 28th week of her pregnancy, and again after she has given birth. Each treatment lasts about 12 weeks and is administered as an injection.

What is Rh factor?

In 1940 rhesus monkeys were discovered to have a previously unknown protein (which was subsequently called the Rh factor) on their red blood cells. The Rh factor, which is also found in the blood of most people, causes an antigenic reaction when introduced to blood without it. Persons with the protein on their red blood cells are known as “Rh positive.” Those without the protein are considered “Rh negative.”

What is Rh incompatibility?

Because Rh negative blood reacts against Rh positive blood, the two blood types are considered incompatible. A person with Rh negative blood may encounter Rh positive blood through either pregnancy or blood transfusion.

What is thimerosal?

Thimerosal is a preservative that keeps many medicines and vaccines free of contamination from fungus and bacteria. Because it contains ethylmercury, it has been removed from many treatments, especially those that are used on children. Thimerosal was removed from RhoGAM in April of 2001 because the shot, which is given to the mother, has the potential to affect her developing fetus.

What are the dangers of RhoGAM?

RhoGAM contained thimerosal before April of 2001. Ethylmercury, a component of thimerosal, is being studied for potentially adverse side effects, including DSI and ADHD. As a precautionary measure, the FDA has placed ethylmercury at the same risk level as methylmercury, pending further studies.

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