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IVIG Therapy for PIHow IVIG Works1IVIG is an important therapy for primary immune deficiency (PI) because it temporarily replaces infection-fighting antibodies that some PI patients are missing. IVIG is antibody replacement therapy, given intravenously, which means through a needle directly into a vein. This purified plasma treatment contains antibodies collected from the plasma of healthy donors and purified through a special process so that the therapy is safe and effective. Most of the antibodies are of the IgG class of antibodies, also called immunoglobulin G or gamma globulin. Learn more about plasma processing How is IVIG administered?IVIG is given intravenously, which means through a needle directly into a vein. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage, based on a number of individual factors, including your weight, your condition, and how well the IVIG treats or prevents symptoms. IVIG can be administered in a hospital outpatient unit, infusion center, or your home. A typical infusion takes 2-4 hours, although some patients may require slower infusions to avoid side effects. How often do PI patients get infusions?IVIG replaces antibodies the body should be making, but does not help the patient's own immune system make more, so repeat doses are needed, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. Since PI patients aren't "cured" by IVIG, they can still contract an infection, but infections have been shown to be less frequent and less severe. A study showed that effective IVIG therapy significantly reduced PI patients' missed days at school or work and also reduced the length of time they used antibiotics.2 PI patients who rely on IVIG generally need infusions throughout their lives. Are all IVIGs the same?There are some differences in IVIG brands that may make one product more suitable for you than another, such as sugar content, IgA content, sodium content, and use of latex or preservatives. Your doctor can help you determine which brand is best for you. Learn about GAMMAGARD IVIG formulations 1. Blaese RM, Winkelstein J. Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007. 2. Cunningham-Rundles C, Siegal FP, Smithwick EM, et al. Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin in primary humoral immunodeficiency disease. Annals of Internal Medicine 1984;101: 435-439. What is IVIG Therapy Like?
View our video and follow along as Brandon goes for an infusion. Patient Resources
Request helpful tools for patients who rely on IVIG. Find Answers at our new PI Panel
An opportunity to learn from a diverse group of healthcare experts and parents. GAMMAGARD LIQUID is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. These include but are not limited to congenital X-linked agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies. Please see the Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD LIQUID [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] 10% GAMMAGARD S/D and GAMMAGARD S/D, IgA less than 1 µg/mL in a 5% solution are indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. These include but are not limited to congenital X-linked agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies. GAMMAGARD S/D must not be used in patients with selective IgA deficiency (IgA < 0.05 g/L) where the IgA deficiency is the only abnormality of concern. Please see the Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD S/D [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] Please see the Important Safety Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD S/D [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)], IgA less than 1 µg/mL in a 5% solution.  To view PDFs, you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® software. |
