This therapy infuses concentrated, pooled immunoglobulin—proteins produced by plasma cells that act as antibodies—into the bloodstream. Immunoglobulin is vital to the immune system.
Immunoglobulin therapy is typically administered intravenously through a vein in the arm or hand.
Immunoglobulin therapy is used to treat disorders of the immune system. Typically, you would receive this therapy if your body requires replenishment of immunoglobulin because of an immunodeficiency, but IVIg is also an effective treatment for some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Various conditions, including acute infections, may require antibodies to be restored and a boost to the immune system.
When the body begins to attack its own cells as a result of an autoimmune disease, or another disease weakens the immune system, immunoglobulin therapy can restore vital antibodies that can reduce inflammation in the body.
Although most patients do not experience side effects from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, a small percentage may experience adverse effects. Anaphylactic shock (a severe, whole-body allergic reaction) is a possible complication of immunoglobulin therapy.
If you are diabetic, you may be at a slightly higher risk for certain complications from the procedure.
No special instructions are given prior to the procedure. Before the immunoglobulin solution is administered, it is stringently screened for any viruses, diseases, or infections.
Immunoglobulin therapy may be administered in a doctor's office, clinic, or outpatient hospital.
No anesthesia is administered during the procedure.
Concentrated immunoglobulin antibodies are collected from a healthy individual. These antibodies are added to a sterile solution, which is intravenously administered directly into the vein of the patient.
The procedure is outpatient, and the patient may return home following the procedure.
For adults, the infusion typically lasts 5-6 hours.
The procedure is not painful, although there may be some minor discomfort as the IV is inserted into the skin.
Immunoglobulin therapy is an outpatient procedure.
The site where the IV was administered may become irritated. You should check with your physician if this happens. In most cases, you can treat the problem on your own by cleaning the sore area and using a topical ointment, if the doctor orders it. On some occasions, however, you could develop superficial thrombophlebitis, or a blood clot, which will need a doctor’s attention.
Some patients may begin to see an improvement in symptoms as soon as 24-48 hours following the procedure. Others may not see an improvement for 3-4 weeks.
Immunoglobulin therapy is usually done in cycles. For an infection or other immune system deficiency, therapy is usually recommended every 3-4 weeks.
If you have a neurological or autoimmune disease, therapy is administered for five days a month for 3-6 months. Following the initial therapy, maintenance therapy is administered every 3-4 weeks.
As with the introduction of any foreign substance or chemical to the body, the possibility of anaphylactic shock exists. If you experience any of the following symptoms of anaphylactic shock, you should call the doctor immediately:
- Wheezing and/or difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Slurred or abnormal speech
- Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations, weak or rapid pulse
- Blue tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Hives, rash, or itching
- Anxiety
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping
- Cough or nasal congestion
- Reddened skin
Last reviewed August 2007 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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