ABCs Of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)

What Is IVIg?

“IVIg” is the commonly used acronym for “intravenous immune globulin.” It is also known as pooled human gamma globulin or simply gamma globulin. IVIg has been used for decades in modern medicine in the treatment of a variety of infectious or inflammatory diseases, including, but not limited to: multifocal motor neuropathy; chronic lymphocytic lymphoma; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; and Kawasaki disease.

In patients who are lacking in the antibodies necessary to fight infection IVIg replaces those lost antibodies.

How does IVIg work?

IVIg seems to affect the function or the production of antibodies in the immune system. The exact mechanism of how IVIg works in successfully treating autoimmune disorders is not entirely understood.

Since IVIg is a blood product, is it safe?

IVIg is felt to be very safe with regard to exposure to infection or viruses. Donors are screened for certain infections before being allowed to give blood for IVIG. The processing of IVIg inactivates infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Nonetheless, it is a human blood product that comes from multiple donors.

Why Is IVIg prescribed?

The most common IVIg usage is to treat an exacerbation where a patient has worsening symptoms despite other treatments.  IVIg is used to treat patients who are in crisis, or showing signs of impending crisis. IVIg may also be prescribed to bring a person to optimal strength prior to surgery.

When other therapies are not effective in managing symptoms, a doctor may prescribe IVIg as maintenance therapy.

Are there adverse effects that occur with IVIg treatments?

Most patients tolerate IVIg well. However, there are several adverse effects that may occur. Patients may develop a headache, chills and aches during the infusion. Slowing the infusion rate and using medicines to relieve these symptoms are often helpful.

People may also experience fatigue, fever or nausea that may persist up to 24 hours after an IVIg infusion. Since IVIg is a highly concentrated protein it may also interfere with blood flow and clotting.

How is treatment with immunoglobulin administered?

IVIg treatments are administered intravenously. The medication is infused slowly over a number of hours. The dose is based on your weight. You might be treated with a series of infusions over a period of three to five days that is repeated at an interval determined by your doctor. For some patients the infusion is given in a physician’s office, while others may have it in the home using a home health agency. If you have been severely weakened, or are showing symptoms of impending crisis, you are likely to be treated in the hospital. A week or two may be required before a patient feels the onset of improvement, although this varies from person to person.  The duration of improvement from IVIg typically varies from a few weeks to a few months.

What are other concerns about using IVIg?

IVIg is expensive, causing it to not be often prescribed as first line maintenance therapy. As with any other medicine, it is important to discuss all the potential health and cost issues with your health insurance provider and infusion provider prior to receiving any medicine.

Where can I get further IVIg information?

For more about Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIg), including name brand medical products like: Flebogamma; Gammagard (Powder or Liquid); Gammakad (Liquid); Gammunex (Liquid); Octagam (Liquid); and Privigen (Liquid), check out ABO Pharmaceuticals, found online at https://shopfluvaccines.com and telephone 877-226-2266.

Since 1979, ABO Pharmaceuticals has remained a worldwide distributor of biological and pharmaceutical products, and has supplied many Hospitals, Physicians, Medical Clinics and Pharmacies worldwide with multiple medical product lines, including IVIg.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2022. Much gratitude to all the hardworking medical providers nationwide!