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About IVIG

What is IVIG?

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a beneficial therapy for many types of primary immunodeficiency (PI). IVIG is helpful because it temporarily replaces the infection-fighting antibodies which many PI patients are missing.1

IVIG contains antibodies collected from the plasma of healthy donors, which are purified and processed so they can be administered through a needle directly into a vein. A typical infusion takes 2-4 hours, and is usually repeated every 3-4 weeks. PI patients who rely on IVIG generally need infusions throughout their lives.1

Does IVIG have side effects?

The majority of side effects are mild, transient, and self-limited, and do not require cessation of therapy. The most common side effects are headache, myalgia, fever, chills, backache, chest pain, nausea and/or vomiting2. Side effects can often be reduced by slowing down the infusion or by premedicating with acetaminophen or antihistamines.3

Serious adverse events such as aseptic meningitis, thrombotic events, and renal dysfunction have been reported to occur in association with IVIG. Your doctor can help you determine whether you might be at risk of developing such adverse events.3,4

Is IVIG Safe?

Manufacturers take many precautions to ensure the quality and safety of the donated plasma.

Are all IVIGs the same?

Not all IVIGs are the same; each varies in process and formulation.5 This can be an important considerations to patients and healthcare professionals when choosing an appropriate IVIG therapy.

It's a good idea to keep track of the product you receive, your dosing schedule, and how you feel in the weeks following your infusion, so your doctor can decide what works best for you.

Name______________________ IVIG Brand __________________________________

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  1. Blaese RM, Winkelstein J. Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007.
  2. Bertorini TE, Nance AH, Horner LT, Greene , Gelfand M, Jaster JH. Complications of intravenous gammaglobulin in neuromuscular and other diseases. Muscle Nerve 1996;19: 388-391.
  3. Ippoliti C, Williams LA, Huber S. Toxicity of rapidly infused concentrated intravenous immune globulin. Clinical Pharmacology 1992;11:1022-1026.
  4. GAMMAGARD LIQUID [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] 10% package insert. Westlake Village, CA. Baxter International Inc.; October 2009.
  5. Siegel J. Tailoring IVIG therapy to the individual patient: considerations for pharmacy practice. Pharmacy Practice News: Special Report. June 1, 2007.