IVIG
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a therapy treatment for patients with antibody deficiencies. It is prepared from a pool of immunoglobulins (antibodies) from the plasma of thousands of healthy donors. Immunoglobulins are made by the immune system of healthy people for the purpose of fighting infections.
IVIG Info
IVIG therapy generally involves the use of 2 g/kg administered over either 2 or 5 consecutive days.
IVIG Side Effects
The majority of people do well with IVIG, experiencing only minor side effects. IVIG may cause infusion reactions, which may present as fevers, chills, flushing, rash, muscle aches, and nausea. Headaches are also relatively common. These are generally not severe and improve with analgesics and antihistamines.
Rarely, IVIG may cause aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain without an infection). The use of medications like steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and diphenhydramine and staying well hydrated can help to prevent these complications. Among patients who have certain forms of IgA deficiency, a severe allergic reaction to IVIG can occur.
Patient Assistance Programs
There are several programs patients can sign up for that will assist in treatment costs:
Resources
To learn more about this treatment, browse the resources below.
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