RhoGAM side effects

The RhoGAM treatment that has been produced since April of 2001 can be administered with very little risk to the patient and the fetus. The patient should be aware, nevertheless, that RhoGAM can cause:

• Local inflammation (swelling, redness, and induration) at the injection site

• Slight fever

• Viral infection (Because RhoGAM is made from human plasma, there is a potential for the patient to develop a viral infection. However, the occurrence of infection is miniscule because of the intense screening of the plasma.) The treatment may also be ineffective; the patient may produce antibodies despite receiving the shot. The incidence of RhoGAM side effects is about one in 60,000 doses.

RhoGAM with thimerosal

RhoGAM produced prior to April of 2001 contained thimerosal, which added potential risks for the patient. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' September 1999 policy statement, ethylmercury (a component in thimerosal) has been associated with neurotoxicity when taken in high doses. Developing fetuses are particularly sensitive to mercury. The neurotoxicity of mercury has the potential to affect the development of a child's nervous system.

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