Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VariZIG): Patient Guide
Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VariZIG) is an injection made from human antibodies that can help prevent chickenpox after a close exposure to varicella. It is used mainly for susceptible people at high risk, including some immunocompromised patients, pregnant patients, and certain exposed newborns; it does not treat an existing chickenpox infection.
VariZIG is a prescription antibody injection used to reduce the risk of chickenpox after exposure in susceptible people at high risk. It should be given by a health care professional, ideally within 96 hours of exposure, and it does not replace varicella vaccination.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J06BB03
- RxNorm
- 39385
- Generic
- Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin
- Class
- atc-j06
- Brands
- VariZIG
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- intramuscular
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 125 IU per 10 kg body weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose within 10 days of exposure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 125 IU per 10 kg body weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose within 10 days of exposure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 125 IU per 10 kg body weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose within 10 days of exposure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only when benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
consider benefits vs risks for post-exposure prophylaxis
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use for post-exposure prophylaxis when benefits outweigh risks
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing
indicated for neonates born to mothers with varicella around time of delivery
monitor for signs of varicella infection
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised children
monitor for infusion reactions
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment but use with caution
use based on risk assessment and exposure history
monitor vital signs during infusion
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
use standard dosing for post-exposure prophylaxis
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
limited data available use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
other
immunocompromisedhigher dose may be considered
indicated for immunocompromised patients exposed to varicella
close monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects
Statistics and clinical data
ATC classification code
Immune sera and immunoglobulins classification
Commonly prescribed since
General information about medication introduction
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use of the medication
Target population
Patient groups for whom the drug is typically prescribed
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy