Intravenous Immunoglobulin: Information for Patients

You (or your child) have an antibody defect in which you are not making sufficient quantities of antibodies, or you are missing a major class (family) of antibodies, or you are unable to make antibodies that function well against important groups of bacteria or viruses that cause infection. Because antibodies are vital in protecting the body against various germs and toxins, this inability to make enough properly functioning antibodies may have caused some or all of the following:

Repeated infections
Infections requiring frequent or long-term use of antibiotics
Lingering infections which are resistant to treatment
Severe infections with complications
Serious infections of the respiratory tract or the intestines
Severe allergies or asthma
Ear, nose, and throat surgery
Hospitalization for infections

Because your infections have not been responsive to aggressive and appropriate medical management, treatment with gammaglobulin to replace your missing or defective antibodies will be implemented.

Important Information About Your Treatment

IVIG is given by vein.
No cases of AIDS have ever been transmitted by intravenous immunoglobulin.
Rare cases of hepatitis were transmitted by one brand of gammaglobulin in 1993–1994; this has been corrected. No viral infections have been transmitted by commercially available Sandoglobulin or Gammimmune N, which have been used in the U.S. for over 12 years.
Treatments are given every 2–4 weeks and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the amount you receive and how rapid an infusion rate you can tolerate.
Occasionally, you may need to take aspirin (or a related medication), Benadryl, and/or a small dose of steroid before the infusion.
Improvement is gradual over a six-month period and the dosage or frequency may need to be adjusted.

Reactions

Reactions are uncommon. There has never been a case of AIDS transmitted, and over 50 million doses have been used. Side effects are quite unusual and are generally related to the infusion proceeding too rapidly. Chills, muscle and joint aches, headaches, stomach aches, and nausea may occur. Flushing or skin rash can rarely occur. In some cases, an allergic reaction can occur including hives, wheezing, choking, and fainting. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur, so it is best to receive the infusion under medical supervision.

You will be monitored during the infusion in order to prevent side effects from occurring.