In the meantime, the virus can be transferred to others, primarily by sexual intercourse. Anyone with hepatitis C is a considered a lifelong carrier. Gammagard was introduced to the U. S. in 1986. It is made by extracting human proteins from plasma. Plasma is obtain from blood donors by centrifuging donated blood, separating the plasma and returning the red blood cells to the donor.
Plasma donors can sell or provide plasma several times a week.
Polygam differs only to the extent that it is made from American Red Cross plasma. Gammagard was most commonly used in the treatment of children with leukemia. Beginning in early 1994 Baxter learned that Gammagard recipients were being diagnosed with hepatitis. At that time Baxter withdrew both drugs due to possible contamination with hepatitis C virus. The Center is actively seeking people who have received Gammagard or Polygam between September 1992 and February 1994 and who probably have been exposed to contaminated product.