Ivig Improves Health, Quality Of Life

By Author: G. Taylor
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Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is used to treat a variety of autoimmune and neurological disorders.

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is used to treat a variety of autoimmune and neurological disorders. What makes IVIG unique is that it is derived from human plasma, as opposed to chemically-based drugs which may cause many adverse side effects. There is ample science behind the effectiveness if IVIG since it is well known that immune globulin contains antibodies that help the body resist bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When immune globulin is administered to patients 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. Patients who are diagnosed with these rare diseases often encounter months or even years of misdiagnosis because physicians are frequently unfamiliar these conditions and the symptoms often mimic other ailments. 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.

IVIG is administered to patients intravenously, meaning a needle is inserted into the patient’s vein. 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.

Although IVIG helps patients with chronic disease it does not cause the disease to go into remission. The antibodies in IVIG do, however, improve the symptoms of the disease temporarily. Patients undergoing IVIG treatments must repeat infusions at regular intervals - usually twice a month, as determined by their healthcare provider. Patients who undergo IVIG therapy can have their infusions administered in various settings, depending on what their insurance allows for. Settings where IVIG might be administered include a hospital, an infusion center or sometimes at home. IVIG infusions can be time consuming, taking anywhere from two to four hours to complete, so many patients prefer a home setting when possible.

Like any medical procedure, IVIG can have side effects. Many patients report that slower infusions result in milder side effects, but do not eliminate them completely. IVIG patients commonly suffer from migraines, fatigue and rashes. These 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.

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. Safety and security 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 patient’s lives at risk.

IVIG can significantly improve the quality of life for patients who live with the effects of chronic disease. Many patients report renewed energy, less pain and an enhanced ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. While not a cure for life-altering disease, IVIG is often a miraculous treatment for patients who would otherwise have little hope for leading a somewhat normal life.
Resource: http://www.fffenterprises.com/Products/IVIG.aspx