Intravenous Immune Globulin (ivig) Supports Patients With Autoimmune Disease

By Author: IG. Cown
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Immune globulin (IG) is derived from human plasma and is used to treat a number of autoimmune and neurological disorders.

Immune globulin (IG) is derived from human plasma and is used to treat a number of autoimmune and neurological disorders. It is well established within the medical community that immune globulin contains antibodies that help the body resist bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When immune globulin is administered to a patient intravenously, it is referred to as IVIG.

IVIG has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several specific and rare disease states. Diseases treated by IVIG include primary immunodeficiencies; immune-mediated thrombocytopenia; Kawasaki disease; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia; and pediatric HIV type 1 infection. Dosage and frequency of infusions are determined by the patient’s disease state and other health factors. IVIG helps immune-compromised patients by replacing the antibodies the patient needs.

When IVIG is administered to patients intravenously, a needle is inserted into the patient’s ...
... vein. The procedure is frequently performed in a hospital or infusion facility, although sometimes infusions can be done in a home care setting, depending on what the insurance company allows and approves. Once consideration for patients is that IVIG infusions can be very time consuming, taking anywhere from two to four hours to complete, which is why many patients who receive long-term care prefer a home setting whenever possible.

IVIG; A treatment not a cure

IVIG is often part of an ongoing treatment plan for patients who are living with chronic disease. Typically, IVIG treatments must be repeated at regular intervals (usually twice a month), as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. Although IVIG improves the health of patients with chronic disease, it does actually cure the disease or cause it to go into remission. The antibodies in IVIG do, however, improve the symptoms of the disease temporarily; when the benefits begin to wear off, the infusion process must be repeated. Like any medical procedure, IVIG can have unwanted side effects, including migraines, fatigue and rashes. Many patients report that slower infusions result in milder side effects, but do not eliminate them completely. Side effects can sometimes be minimized by drinking lots of water prior to an IVIG treatment, getting adequate rest, and using an antihistamine prior to treatment.

Maintaining best practices for IVIG distribution

Immune globulin is carried by biopharmaceutical distributors whose job it is to deliver this life-giving plasma product to the physicians, infusion centers and hospitals who administer IVIG. Safe tracking and handling are especially important since immune globulin is fragile and sensitive to temperature changes. Tracking products in shipment is also a concern to protect immune globulin orders from counterfeiting which could put patient’s lives at risk.
IVIG can significantly improve the quality of life for patients who live with the effects of chronic illness. Despite the considerable cost, unpleasant side effects and timely process of infusions, many patients report renewed energy, less pain and an enhanced ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. While not a cure for chronic illness, IVIG can be a life-enhancing treatment for patients living with rare autoimmune diseases.
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