If you have an immune deficiency caused by infections, inflammatory illnesses, or autoimmune disorders, you may have heard of intravenous immunoglobulin or IVIg.
This treatment is intended particularly for situations in which you may not have enough antibodies. If your condition does not respond to immunosuppressing medications, an IVIg may be administered.
IVIg is used to treat various medical disorders, but it also has its own set of side effects and risks to consider. Please continue reading to learn more about IVIg and what it's like to have an IVIg infusion.
What is IVIg?
IVIg stands for intravenous immune globulin. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy is one of the most significant and effective treatments for individuals with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI), particularly for those who are antibody deficient, as well as for those with other autoimmune diseases. IVIg treatment is both lifesaving and long-term, and it has made a significant difference in the lives of many patients suffering from PI and other autoimmune disorders.
When Ig is given intravenously, meaning directly into a vein, it is referred to as IVIg. Ig is a tried-and-tested solution derived from human plasma that contains antibodies. This medication is intended to protect individuals who are unable to fight infections owing to poor antibody production or whose immune system is targeting their body's healthy cells. Ig is made from the blood of thousands of people, resulting in a super-concentrated collection of antibodies capable of fighting viruses and/or bacteria.
IVIg is not widely used in the UK, and you may be given it only if other therapies have failed. It might be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
lupus
myositis
vasculitis
systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
adult-onset Still's disease
antiphospholipid syndrome
Who Can Take IVIg?
Your doctor will assess the levels of immunoglobulins in your blood before starting IVIg. If you have an extremely low level of one type of immunoglobulin, known as IgA, you may not be administered IVIg.
If you've had a prior reaction to immunoglobulin, you may not be administered IVIg, and some types of IVIg may not be given to you if you're intolerant to fruit sugar.
Since there is currently a scarcity of IVIg, you will only be given it if you have tried certain other therapies first, and if other treatments haven't worked for you.
How Is IVIg Administered?
IVIg may be administered at the following locations, depending on availability:
infusion centers
a doctor’s office
an outpatient center
in a hospital
Intravenous Immunoglobulin is administered through a drip into your vein, this is called intravenous infusion. If you're only taking it to boost your immunoglobulin levels after other treatments, it's sometimes administered as an injection into a muscle.
You will need to visit a hospital each time you receive the IVIg therapy. The infusion will take several hours since the drug must be administered gradually. During the treatment, your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will be measured on a frequent basis to monitor your body's reaction.
If you do not have any complications during the first hour of the infusion therapy, the doctor or nurse will increase the rate. After it's completed, you'll be required to stay at the hospital for an hour to be monitored for any after effects.
The frequency with which you receive IVIg infusions is determined on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment. The dosage will be determined by your body weight.
How quickly does IVIg work?
The rate at which IVIg works to treat disease symptoms varies depending on the disease condition and the particular patient's reaction to the immunoglobulin therapy. However, most people get relief within 3-4 weeks of starting the treatment.
Risks and Side-effects
People who get IVIg therapy may experience a reaction during or after the infusion. Among the symptoms are:
stomach pain
feeling sick or vomiting
joint pain
a chill or a fever
headache
low back pain
tiredness.
If these side effects occur during the infusion, it will be delayed or discontinued. Symptoms usually diminish quickly.
You will be monitored during the treatment, but you should notify a healthcare professional if you experience any new symptoms during or after the infusion. To lessen the possibility of a reaction, you'll normally be given the same brand of IVIg, such as Octagam or Flebogamma, each time you have it.
All IVIg blood donors are thoroughly checked for infections that might be passed on to you, such as hepatitis B, and are only allowed to donate if their blood is safe. However, it is difficult to totally eliminate the danger of transmitting some infections.
People who get IVIg may encounter the following side effects, although all of them are treatable:
liver problems
kidney failure
a rash
aseptic meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain
haemolytic anemia, a disorder that kills red blood cells
Rarely, a severe allergic reaction to IVIg may occur during the infusion. If you develop any of the following symptoms, please notify the person in charge of your infusion:
a rash
swelling of the face or tongue
chest tightness
breathing difficulties
a drop in blood pressure.
IVIg can occasionally induce an increase in blood pressure, which can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It may also increase the likelihood of blood clots.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your therapy or its adverse effects, get professional medical advice from your doctor, rheumatology nurse, or pharmacist.
Are there any IVIg alternatives?
Due to their adverse reactions, comorbidities, or a lack of effectiveness, IVIg infusions may not be appropriate for everyone.
It's essential to discuss the possible side effects and advantages of IVIg treatment with your doctor, as well as possible alternatives to these infusions. Treatment options may include:
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG), which is delivered beneath the skin rather than intravenously.
Immunosuppressant medications, such as biologics, steroids, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, can prevent your immune system from attacking itself.
Immunomodulators to aid in the suppression of your immune system and the battle against infections.
Keeping Track of Your Therapy
Keeping track of your therapy and how your body reacts after each session might help your doctor explore solutions to improve your treatment's results.
Remember to communicate with your caregivers and physicians to ensure you receive the best IVIg infusion therapy possible.
Comments