In the world of medical treatments, acronyms like “IVIG” may sound unfamiliar to many. However, IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) treatment has become a crucial therapy for various medical conditions.

This blog will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of IVIG, including what it is, the treatment process, potential side effects, and its role in therapy.

You may be familiar with intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, as an infusion treatment if you have an immunodeficiency caused by specific infections, inflammatory conditions, or autoimmune disorders.

The main purpose of this therapy is to address situations in which you might not have enough antibodies. If immunosuppressive drugs are ineffective for your disease, an IVIG may also be administered.

Although IVIG is a treatment for a number of illnesses, there are risks and side effects to take into account. Let’s continue to learn more about IVIG treatment:

What is IVIG?

IVIG, or Intravenous Immunoglobulin, is a medical treatment that involves the intravenous infusion of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, derived from the plasma of healthy donors.

 These immunoglobulins are a critical component of the immune system, responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. IVIG treatment can help individuals with weakened immune systems or specific medical conditions by boosting their immunity.

When You Need An IVIG Infusion?

IVIG therapy’s main aim is to assist in the recovery of a seriously compromised immune system. An immunoglobulin deficit prevents your immune system from producing enough antibodies to fight infections. You may become more susceptible to infections as a result.

For the purpose of reducing inflammation, your doctor might also advise an IVIG infusion. This treatment can help stop your immune system from attacking healthy cells in autoimmune illnesses. For inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious illnesses, including the following, IVIG may be advised:

• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Kawasaki disease
• Vasculitis
• Polymyositis
• Systemic lupus
• Dermatomyositis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD)
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)

Your doctor may also suggest IVIG infusion if you are undergoing therapy for a specific malignancy, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in order to mitigate the side effects of your cancer medications and lower your risk of infection.

IVIG Treatment

The main reasons for IVIG therapy are immunological deficits, autoimmune diseases, and certain neurological abnormalities. The typical process of the treatment is as follows:

Patient Evaluation:

Patients receive a comprehensive medical evaluation prior to starting IVIG therapy. The physician evaluates the patient’s medical history, orders pertinent tests, and establishes the proper IVIG infusion dosage and schedule.

IVIG Infusion:

An IVIG is injected into a vein by a medical expert during the course of the treatment. Depending on the ailment being treated, the infusion procedure can take several hours, and the frequency of infusions can range from weekly to monthly.

Dosage and Schedule:

The dosage and schedule are personalized for each patient based on their specific needs and medical condition. It’s essential to follow the prescribed regimen diligently.

IVIG Side Effects

IVIG side effects are possible, just like with any medical treatment; however, they are often minor and temporary. Typical adverse effects comprise:

• Headache: During or during the IVIG infusion, patients may have mild to moderate headaches.
• Fatigue: Following therapy, some people may feel lethargic or develop flu-like symptoms.
• Nausea: While nausea and vomiting are possible adverse effects, they are frequently treatable with medicine.
• Fever: Although it normally goes away quickly, a low-grade fever is another possible adverse effect.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, such as rash or shortness of breath, can occasionally occur in patients. Notifying the healthcare professional of any unusual or severe side effects is crucial.

It’s important to note that IVIG treatment is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, and the benefits often outweigh the potential side effects.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Aseptic meningitis is a rare but dangerous side effect of IVIG therapy that is not associated with an infection. Your doctor could advise the following measures to help reduce your risk of contracting meningitis:

• Drink plenty of water prior to, during, and following any therapy
• Take acetaminophen, steroid, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
• Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

There are some other risk factors that you can consider, and these include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Worsening heart failure
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Hemolytic anemia
• Severe allergic reactions

Additionally, elderly people may be more susceptible to severe adverse effects. This is assumed to be related to a greater probability of comorbidities.

IVIG Therapy

IVIG therapy is an essential part of the treatment regimen for various medical conditions. Some of the key areas where IVIG therapy plays a significant role include:

Immune Deficiencies:

IVIG therapy is necessary for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases to keep their immune systems functioning.

Autoimmune Diseases:

By regulating the immune response, IVIG can assist in the management of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and myasthenia gravis.

Neurological Conditions:

IVIG therapy is generally helpful in managing symptoms and slowing the progression of conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has transformed the treatment of a variety of medical problems by utilizing the strength of immunoglobulins from healthy donors. IVIG therapy has several advantages over other treatments, including the potential for side effects.

 For many people with immunological deficiencies, autoimmune illnesses, and neurological conditions, it has proved a lifesaver. If you or a loved one is thinking about receiving IVIG treatment, speak with a medical practitioner to find out if this is the best course of action.

Never forget to adhere to the recommended course of therapy and let your healthcare provider know about any worries or adverse effects.

When You Should Contact A Doctor:

If you or a loved one has any of the following symptoms following an IVIG infusion, contact your doctor at away:

• High fever
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe headaches with neck stiffness
• Severe, worsening trash
• Chest tightness
• Nausea and vomiting

Get IVIG Infusion Therapy from Fuse Infusion

Your immune system can fight off infections by receiving the antibodies it needs from IVIG injections. Additionally, IVIG infusions can lessen inflammation and stop the immune system from attacking healthy cells.

IVIG infusions are generally well-tolerated, but there is always a chance of adverse effects, which you should extensively address with your physician.

While IVIG infusions might be effective in certain circumstances, you should think about and talk with your doctor about your other options. Fuse Infusion offers you effective IVIG infusion therapy and helps you overcome chronic diseases. Get a free quote today for IVIG treatment!