Differences between commercial IVIG preparations: Gammagard and Octagam

Gammagard Liquid is the first 10% IVIG solution with no added carbohydrates or sodium. Baxter is replacing Gammagard S/D with Gammagard Liquid.

Sodium concentration

Gammagard: No added sodium. When reconstituted with the total volume of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection, USP) supplied to 5%, Gammagard contains a physiological concentration of sodium chloride (approximately 8.5 mg/mL) and has a pH of 6.8 ± 0.4.

Octagam: sodium content of the final solution is ≤ 30 mmol/l and the pH is between 5.1 and 6.0.

Osmolality

Gammagard osmolality is 240-300 mOsmol/kg, similar to physiological osmolality (285 to 295 mOsmol/kg).

Octagam osmolality is 310 - 380 mosmol/kg.

Cost

Gammagard Liquid, Baxter, $129.60/gm

Octagam, Octapharma, $118.34/gm

Prices represent cost per unit specified and are representative of "Average Wholesale Price" (AWP).

Since 1990s, no transmission of infectious diseases have been reported from U.S.-licensed IVIG products.

References:
Intravenous immune globulin. Hopkins HIV Guide.
Octagam, Octapharma.
Gammagard Liquid, Baxter.
Image source: Wikipedia.