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Winrho

RhO [D] immune globulin

Used for Chronic ITP, Immunodeficiency

WinRho SDF helps people with a condition in which blood doesn't clot normally due to low levels of platelets (immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP). It's also used for certain pregnancy-related conditions and blood transfusions. This medication is collected from the pooled blood of many human donors.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 25, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Contraindications Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

What is WinRho SDF?

What is WinRho SDF used for?

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Prevention of Rh incompatibility in certain Rh-negative mothers or other pregnancy-related complications
Prevention of Rh incompatibility in Rh-negative people receiving Rh-positive blood through blood transfusion

How WinRho SDF works

WinRho SDF contains a type of antibody called immunoglobulin.

For ITP, this medication works to raise platelet counts in people who are Rh positive and still have their spleen. It's thought to clump together with red blood cells so your spleen can remove them instead of your platelets. This helps to raise your platelet count.

In Rh-negative people, it also prevents the body from producing specific antibodies that attack Rh-positive red blood cells. For example, in pregnant mothers with Rh-negative blood, this medication helps to prevent severe anemia (low red blood cells) and jaundice in their Rh-positive babies.

Are you looking for information on Rhogam or HyperRHO S/D (Rho(D) immune globulin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsWinRho SDF, Rhophylac

Drug ClassImmune globulin

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of WinRho SDF?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

WinRho:

Headache (11%)
Chills (8%)
Fever (6%)
Weakness (4%)
Dizziness (4%)
Infection (3%)

Rhophylac:

Chills (35%)
Fever (31%)
Raised bilirubin levels (21%)
Headache (11%)

^*Side effects listed above are for ITP. For prevention of Rh incompatibility during pregnancy, few or no side effects were reported. The few side effects reported included nausea, dizziness, headache, injection-site pain, and feeling unwell.^

Other Side Effects

Nausea
Muscle aches or spasms
Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reaction: rash, face swelling, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fast heart rate
Breakdown of red blood cells: pale skin, feeling tired, dizziness, trouble breathing, back or stomach pain, discolored urine

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Bloody urine

decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

fever

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

loss of appetite

lower back pain

nausea or vomiting

pale skin

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

troubled breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Soreness at the place of injection

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of WinRho SDF

Pros

Can be used in children with ITP (WinRho only)

Allows for successful pregnancies and transfusions, even in cases where the blood proteins are incompatible (don't mix)

Raises the number of platelets in people with ITP

No significant interactions with most medications or supplements

Cons

Must be monitored closely for at least 8 hours after each infusion for ITP

Sometimes, treatment is based on timing and you may not be able to get the medication if too much time has passed.

Must be given by a healthcare provider

Brand only, so might be expensive

Pharmacist tips for WinRho SDF

Problems from WinRho SDF treatment usually happen within 4 to 8 hours after getting an infusion. For this reason, your provider will need to monitor you closely. Alert your provider right away if you experience back pain, shaking, chills, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, or if you develop a rash. You might also notice swelling or sudden weight gain, or changes in the color of your urine or how often you need to urinate. Let your provider know if any of these happen to you, even if it's several days after your treatment.

Don't get a live vaccine within 3 months after your last dose of WinRho SDF. This medication can make the vaccine not work as well for you, and you won't be able to build up good protection against infection. If you're not sure whether or not the vaccine you're getting is live, ask your provider or pharmacist.

For the treatment of ITP, each WinRho SDF injection into your vein will take about 3 to 5 minutes.

If you're getting WinRho SDF for protection against Rh-positive blood, your provider will determine whether to give you the injection through your vein in your arm or into your shoulder or thigh muscle.

WinRho SDF is made from human plasma. Although the blood from the donors is cleaned and processed very well before it's injected into you, there's still a very small risk you may get a virus from the medication. Talk with your provider if you have any new symptoms that concern you.

Frequently asked questions about WinRho SDF

What is Rh, and why does it matter if you're positive or negative?

Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells that tells whether the blood of two different people is compatible when mixed. Knowing whether someone is Rh positive or negative is important for blood donations and transfusions and during pregnancy. Someone who's Rh negative will make antibodies that destroy foreign, Rh-positive red blood cells that enter their system. For blood donations and transfusions, this means the Rh-negative recipient's body can react badly to the Rh-positive blood donation and lead to complications. During pregnancy, it's common for a small amount of your unborn baby's blood to enter your bloodstream. If your unborn baby is Rh positive and you're Rh negative, your immune system will produce antibodies that attack your baby's red blood cells. When this happens, your baby can develop anemia and jaundice. WinRho SDF is given to help block this antibody-making process to stop red blood cells from getting destroyed.

What's the difference between the brands of Rho(D) immune globulin (WinRho, Rhophylac, HyperRHO, and RhoGAM)?

The major difference between WinRho, Rhophylac, HyperRHO, and RhoGAM is what conditions they're used for. All four brands are used to treat pregnancy-related conditions and incompatible blood transfusions. In addition to these conditions, WinRho and Rhophylac are also used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), while HyperRHO and RhoGAM are not. The brands also differ in terms of how they're given. WinRho and Rhophylac can be given either into the veins (IV) or into the muscle (IM) for pregnancy-related conditions and transfusion treatment, while HyperRHO and Rhogam are only meant for injections into the muscle. Talk with your provider about which brand is right for you.

How long does it take for WinRho SDF to work?

After starting WinRho SDF treatment for ITP, your platelet counts usually go up within 1 to 2 days. The medication typically has the greatest effect within 1 to 2 weeks. After starting WinRho SDF treatment for other conditions, the medication can work in a matter of hours when injected into your veins (IV) or several days when injected into your muscles (IM).

Why do I need to be observed by my provider after each WinRho SDF treatment for ITP?

In some rare cases, WinRho SDF has caused severe bleeding and clotting problems, which were life-threatening. Because of this risk, you'll need to be under close watch for at least 8 hours after each ITP treatment with WinRho SDF. Your provider will take blood and urine samples before and after the infusion to monitor your risk.

Can I get a vaccine after I receive WinRho SDF?

There isn't enough information to know if WinRho SDF affects how well vaccines work when you get them around the same time. Because of the way it works, it's possible that WinRho SDF interferes with the way live vaccines work. Examples of live vaccines include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) and Varivax (chickenpox vaccine). It's recommended to wait 3 months to get any live vaccines after receiving WinRho SDF. If you need to get a vaccine, check with your provider about the best timing.

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What are the risks and warnings for WinRho SDF?

WinRho SDF can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Breakdown of red blood cells when used for ITP

*Risk factors: History of kidney problems | History of heart (cardiovascular) problems | Over 65 years of age *

In some rare cases for ITP, WinRho SDF has caused a severe, life-threatening condition called intravascular hemolysis (IVH). This sudden breakdown of red blood cells can lead to multi-system organ failure and death. Because of this risk, you will be under close watch for at least 8 hours after each ITP treatment. Your care team will check to see if you're experiencing any back pain, chills, dizziness, fever, or discolored urine during this time. If you've left your provider's office and you experience these symptoms, get medical help right away.

Severe allergic reactions

Risk factors: Antibodies to IgA

There's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to WinRho SDF. Your risk is higher if you have antibodies to IgA, because there are very small amounts of IgA in WinRho SDF, which might trigger an allergic reaction. Your provider might ask you to stay at the hospital or clinic for observation after you've received your dose to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.

Possible transmission of other viruses

WinRho SDF is made from human plasma, which is taken from human blood. Although very rare, there's a possible risk that viruses might be passed from the blood product to people receiving the medication and put them at risk for conditions such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Please note that all blood donors are carefully screened and each blood sample is processed in the lab to lower the risk of infections. In addition, this risk is only theoretical and no known cases haven't been reported in real life. If your provider suspects an infection from the medication, they should report it to the manufacturer by calling 1-833-644-4216 (for WinRho) or 1-866-915-6958 (for Rhophylac).

Blood clots

Risk factors: History of plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) | History of clots | Over 65 years of age | Have or at risk of certain heart conditions | Blood clotting condition | Being immobile for a long period of time | Take estrogen-containing medications | Have an indwelling catheter

Immunoglobulin products like WinRho SDF can cause blood clots during or after your treatment. Talk to your provider before receiving WinRho SDF if you have a history of a coagulation (clotting) problem or any of the above risk factors, because this medication might be dangerous for you. It should only be given to you if the benefit is greater than the risk, and your provider will help make this decision.

Kidney injury

Risk factors: History of kidney disease | Over 65 years of age | Diabetes | Sepsis (serious infection) | Having an excessive amount of abnormal antibodies in the blood | Receiving other medications harmful to the kidney | Low blood volume (dehydration)

In some rare cases, WinRho SDF can cause sudden kidney injury. Your provider will make sure you're well hydrated before your WinRho SDF treatment. If you're at high risk for kidney injury, your provider may give the medication to you more slowly. They will also check your kidney labs before your first treatment and every so often afterwards to make sure this medication is safe for you.

Lung injury

WinRho SDF can cause rare but serious lung injury, typically 1 to 6 hours after treatment. Your provider will already be monitoring you during this time, so let them know right away if you suddenly develop trouble breathing or a fever. They might need to give you oxygen to help your breathing.

Falsely high blood sugars

Risk factors: Type 1 or type 2 diabetes | Using insulin | Using certain types of glucose meters

WinRho SDF contains maltose, which is a type of sugar. This medication can cause your blood sugar readings to be falsely high if you use certain glucose monitors with test strips containing a substance called GDH-PQQ. This raises your risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you give yourself insulin to correct this falsely high blood sugar. Contact your local pharmacist or the manufacturer of the glucose monitor you use if you're not sure if it can be used with products containing maltose.

WinRho SDF dosage forms

Typical dosing for WinRho SDF

This medication is injected either into your vein (intravenously, IV) or muscle (intramuscularly, IM), depending on the condition you’re taking it for. Your dose can depend on different factors, so your provider will help determine the right dose for you.

ITP: Your dose depends on your body weight and your blood cell counts. Your provider will administer the medication IV as a single dose. For WinRho, the starting dose can also be given in divided doses given on two separate days. Your provider will determine if you need additional doses.
Certain pregnancy-related conditions: The dose is based on timing (e.g., how much time has passed since you gave birth), your condition, and which brand is being used. Your provider will typically administer the medication IV or IM as a single dose. But depending on your condition, you might need an additional dose.
Incompatible blood transfusions: The dose is based on the type of blood transfusion you received. It will also depend on whether you’re getting the medication injected into your vein or your muscle. Your treatment will begin within 72 hours of your transfusion. Depending on the brand, your provider will administer the medication every 8 or 12 hours (for WinRho) or as a single injection (for Rhophylac).

Interactions between WinRho SDF and other drugs

WinRho SDF may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with WinRho SDF. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

WinRho SDF contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because WinRho SDF will not be safe for you to take.

History of severe allergic reaction to other human immune globulins
A lack of immunoglobulin A in the blood and antibodies to IgA
High risk for certain anemia conditions (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia)
Newborns born to a mother who received WinRho SDF after delivery
Infants, for preventing natural antibodies from harming the infant's blood cells (the suppression of Rho(D) isoimmunization)

What are alternatives to WinRho SDF?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of WinRho SDF. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

WinRho SDF

Used for:

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Prevention of Rh incompatibility in certain Rh-negative mothers or other pregnancy-related complications
Prevention of Rh incompatibility in Rh-negative people receiving Rh-positive blood through blood transfusion

View Prices

RhoGAM