Zoster Immunoglobulin-VF (CSL)™
Active ingredients: Varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin
Pack: Zoster Immunoglobulin-VF (CSL) 200 units injection, 1 vial
Consumer medicine information
Read the CMI leaflet (Opens in new tab) for facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.
For more information about CMIs and how to read them, please visit How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
What this medicine is used for
INDICATIONS AS AT 8 AUGUST 2002 : Zoster Immunoglobulin is indicated for prophylaxis against varicella in patients who meet all four of the criteria listed below: 1. One of the following underlying illnesses or conditions: a. Neoplastic disease (leukaemia or lymphoma); b. Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency; c. Immunosuppressive therapy with steroids or antimetabolites. 2. One of the following types of exposure to chickenpox or shingles patients: a. Household contact; b. Playmate contact (>1 hour play indoors); c. Hospital contact (in same 2 to 4 bedroom or adjacent beds in a large ward); d. Newborn contact (newborn of mother who had onset of chickenpox <5 days before delivery or within 48 hours after delivery); e. Premature infant (>= 28 weeks gestation) whose mother lacks a prior history of chickenpox; f. Premature infant (< 28 weeks gestation or <= 1000g) regardless of maternal history. 3. Negative or unknown history of chickenpox. 4. If Zoster Immunoglobulin can be administered within 96 hours after exposure. Zoster Immunoglobulin, Normal Immunoglobulin (immunoglobulin for intramuscular use) or plasma are of no value in the treatment of established varicella or zoster infection. High levels of circulating antibody do not prevent dissemination of infection. Zoster Immunoglobulin is not indicated for prophylactic use in immunodeficient children or adults when there is a history of varicella, unless the patient's immunosuppressed status is that which is associated with bone marrow transplantation.
Source: ARTG
Storage conditions
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light; Do not Freeze; Refrigerate
Source: ARTG
How to use this medicine
Non-composite pack
This medicine contains one component only.
Component
- Injection, solution
- Intramuscular
- Clear to opalescent, colourless, solution
Source: ARTG
Do I need a prescription?
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.
- 200IU x 1
Source: ARTG
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.
Source: PBS
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient: Varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Source: AHT
Reporting side effects
If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)
Source: ARTG
Data sources
- Australian Health Thesaurus (AHT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Medicines Information Pty Ltd (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 4 March 2026
Disclaimer
Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).
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