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Intravenous immunoglobulin monotherapy

Ok, so what is it?

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is the infusion of immunoglobulins into a vein. This type of therapy is for people who have deficient or dysfunctional immune systems or who have autoimmune diseases. (Depending upon your insurance, some treatments can be done at home by a home health nurse after the initial treatment in the doctor's office.)

Immunoglobulins are collected from the pooled human plasma and contain a wide variety of antibodies. The immunoglobulins come from plasma that has been vigorously screened.

With autoimmune diseases, IVIG therapy has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for treatment with drugs that have serious side effects. IVIG is one of the only treatments for autoimmune diseases that does not suppress the immune system.

What is involved in an IVIG infusion?

A needle attached to tubing is inserted into a vein and a solution of immunoglobulins is infused. Depending on your individual protocol, therapy can take from one to five hours, sometimes longer.

How often must IVIG therapy be given?

The number of IVIG treatments depends on the patient’s diagnosis. In general, most patients with primary and secondary immune deficiencies receive infusions monthly. Patients with autoimmune diseases may only require IVIG treatment when problems arise.

What about the risks?

IVIG therapy is considered to be no more risky than any other conventional drug therapy. The side effects tend to be few, but they may include chills, headaches, fever, nausea and chest tightness. These side effects are usually associated with the infusion rate or dosage. Slowing the rate of infusion and/or the use of pre-medication can help control these side effects. Other sources say that the elderly and those who have renal disease, congestive heart disease or severe diabetes need to be very cautious about undergoing IVIG treatment. Also, those who have lack of blood IgA cannot have IVIG because of the severe allergic reaction that can result. Headaches and meningitis can also occur.

  1. MFGA brochure on FAQs about IVIG (.pdf file)
  2. More about IVIG, its history and use
  3. Clinical Trial study results the use of IVIG in mild/moderate MG
  4. Some technical info on IVIG
  5. More about how IVIG works
  6. Information on IVIG from Neuroland
  7. Controversies with IVIg treatment from UT University

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