IVIG Therapy

IVIG stands for intravenous immunoglobulin.

IVIG stands for intravenous immunoglobulin. It's a type of immunoglobulin that is made from donated blood plasma, which has been filtered and treated to remove viruses and other infectious agents. It may be used to reduce the effects of some inflammatory conditions that involve the immune system, provide extra antibodies that your body cannot make on its own to fight infection, and block your immune system from attacking your own body.

 IVIG can be given in a hospital, at home or in an infusion center, depending on your condition and your doctor's preference. Most people receive the treatment through an IV (intravenous) line inserted into an arm vein.

IVIG therapy can be used to treat people with immunodeficiency disorders and primary immunodeficiencies that affect their ability to fight infections, such as:

  • X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)

  • Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

  • Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

IVIG is made from a pool of donated blood plasma.

IVIG is made from a pool of donated blood plasma. Blood plasma is the liquid part of your blood that contains antibodies and other proteins, as well as water, salts and sugars. Antibodies are substances made by your body's immune system to fight off infections or diseases.

This treatment can be given through an intravenous line.

The needle used for IVIG is not painful, and it's only slightly larger than the needles used for blood tests.

Conclusion

IVIG therapy is a safe and effective treatment for people with severely weakened immunity. It's important to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment so that you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

 

Robyn Pollack