Intravenous Immune Globulin (ivig) Enhances Quality Of Life

By Author: TM Cowan
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Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is used to treat a number of autoimmune and neurological disorders. What makes IVIG unique is that it is derived from human plasma, as opposed to chemically-based drugs that may cause many adverse side effects. There is ample science behind the effectiveness of 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.

Easing the symptoms of rare disease

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 with 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 through a needle 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.

An ongoing treatment plan

Patients undergoing IVIG treatments must repeat infusions at regular intervals - usually twice a month, as determined by their healthcare provider. 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 who undergo IVIG therapy can have their infusions administered in various settings, depending on what their insurance allows. 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 or longer to complete, so many patients prefer a home setting when possible.

Managing side effects

Like any medical procedure, IVIG can have side effects. Many patients report that slowing the infusion rate results in milder side effects, but does not eliminate them completely. After infusion, 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 and after treatment.

Distribution best practices

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 product tracking and handling are especially important since immune globulin is fragile and easily degraded during temperature changes. Tracking products in shipment also protects immune globulin orders from counterfeiting, which could put patients’ lives at risk.

A miraculous treatment

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.

FFF Enterprises is the author of this article on IVIG .
Find more information, about Intravenous Immune Globulin here