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What to Expect from Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Therapy

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What is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)?

IVIG is a blood product made from the donated antibodies of between 1,000-15,000 human donors per batch.1 Antibodies are proteins in your body that help fight infection. Your body has different antibodies to fight different infections, like how you have different keys for different locks. If your body does not have enough antibodies or has damaged antibodies, IVIG can help replace them.

Why would I need IVIG?

IVIG may be prescribed for different reasons. The most common reasons include:

  • Immunodeficiency disorders
    • - Primary immunodeficiencies (PID)
    - Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
  • Autoimmune disorders
    • - Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
    - Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
    - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
  • Neurologic disorders
    • - Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
    - Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
    - Myasthenia Gravis
    - Multiple sclerosis (MS)
    - Stiff person syndrome (SPS)
  • Organ transplant
    • - Desensitization
    - Post-transplant maintenance
    - BK virus

What can I expect before starting therapy?

Before starting IVIG therapy your doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine whether IVIG therapy would be a good fit for you. Once you and your doctor make the decision to start IVIG, you will then decide where you will receive your IVIG infusions. Options include a doctor’s office, infusion centers and even your own home.

Before your first infusion, your pharmacist will call you to review your medical history, infusion date and other information for the success of your infusion.

What can I expect the day of infusion?

The day of infusion, you will have a healthcare professional administer your IVIG. IVIG is given through a vein which may be accessed from your arm, a port or PICC line. Your doctor may prescribe pre-medications such as acetaminophen or diphenhydramine to prevent side effects such as headache and infusion reactions.

During your infusion, your nurse or doctor will likely monitor your blood pressure. It is also important to stay hydrated during the infusion, and you may be given IV fluids or be encouraged to drink fluids by mouth. In total your infusion will take between 2 to 4 hours. Remember to have a cell phone, book, or other activity that you can use to relax during the infusion.2

What are the side effects of IVIG?

Like any medication, IVIG is associated with certain side effects. Every patient will experience IVIG differently. You may have no side effects at all, or you may have several side effects. The most common side effects include:

  • Headache (mild-severe)
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Injection site reactions
  • Feeling tired
  • Blood pressure changes

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience or think you might be experiencing any of the following rare but serious side effects:

  • Renal dysfunction
  • Allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face)
  • Thrombosis, or clotting
  • Aseptic meningitis (severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, fever, fatigue)

Your doctor and pharmacist are there to help make IVIG as safe and comfortable as possible. If any side effect is troubling you, start a conversation. They may be able to slow the infusion rate to help reduce side effects or offer ways to help side effects such as over the counter pain relievers or cold/warm packs for infusion site reactions.3

How should I store IVIG?

IVIG should be stored in the refrigerator. The best place is in the middle of the fridge. Avoid the back of the fridge where it may be colder and the door, where it may be warmer. Do NOT heat, freeze, or shake your IVIG medication.3

Can I get immunizations while on IVIG?

Immunizations may not work as well while on IVIG. If possible, it is recommended to receive your vaccines prior to beginning your IVIG therapy. Talk to your doctor about the best vaccine schedule for you.2

More questions?

Contact your doctor or pharmacist! This article and others are not a replacement for the direct advice of your doctor or pharmacist. It is important for you to feel confident and comfortable with your infusion. Your health care team is there to help.

BioMatrix is proud to make a difference in the communities we serve, one patient at a time.

Our clinicians and support staff offer a tailored approach to every therapeutic category, improving quality of life for patients and producing positive outcomes along the healthcare continuum. Learn more.

References

  1. Jolles S, Sewell WA, Misbah SA. Clinical uses of intravenous immunoglobulin. Clin Exp Immunol. 2005 Oct;142(1):1-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2005.02834.x. PMID: 16178850; PMCID: PMC1809480.

  2. Silvergleid A. Intravenous immune globulin ivig beyond-the-basics [Internet]. UpToDate. 2020 [cited 2020Jun23]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/intravenous-immune-globulin-ivig-beyond-the-basics

  3. Lexi-Drugs. [cited 2020 June 23] In Lexicomp Online [Internet]. Hudson, Ohio: Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. Available from:Available from: http://online.lexi.com.

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