What is Intravenous Immunoglobulin?

Intravenous Immunoglobin, or IVIg, is a common procedure for a variety of autoimmune disorders, immune deficiencies, and inflammatory conditions such as:

• Myasthenia gravis

• Lupus

• Multiple sclerosis

• Myositis

• Primary immunodeficiency

• Thrombocytopenia

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

• Kawasaki disease

• Guillain-Barré syndrome

• Some cases of HIV or AIDS

Learn about what the procedure accomplishes, how it’s administered, its side effects, and other useful information below.

What Happens During IVIg?

IVIg is a concentrated, purified antibody preparation given by intravenous (IV) infusion. The IV infusion is given through a needle and catheter placed in a vein of the hand or arm. The procedure may be done in a hospital or an outpatient setting, such as a doctor’s office or infusion center.

How Long Does IVIg Take, and How Often Does it Need to be Done?

An IVIg infusion usually takes about two to four hours, but this can vary depending on the speed of the infusion and other factors. The effects of IVIg are temporary, lasting from a couple of weeks to several months. How often IVIg is needed depends on many factors and must be determined by your doctor.

Why Would Someone Need IVIg?

The purpose of IVIg treatment for people with MG, MMN, Myositis, or other autoimmune diseases, is to help destroy or neutralize the autoantibodies that are attacking the body's own cells and are the causing of the problem.

Is IVIg Painful?

Some people experience headache, lightheadedness, or pain at the injection site during the infusion. Tell the infusion nurse if you feel pain or any other discomfort during the procedure. They may be able to slow the speed of the infusion or provide treatments to help you feel better.

Common IVIg Side Effects

The most common side effects of IVIg treatment include headache during or after the infusion, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever. You may feel tired after the procedure and need to rest for a day or two.

More severe side effects are rare but possible. Tell your doctor right away if you get hives, begin to wheeze, or feel chest tightness or any other unusual symptoms. A potentially serious reaction called anaphylaxis can cause swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Delayed transfusion effects are possible for several days after the procedure.

How to Prepare for IVIg Treatment

The day before IVIg treatment

Be sure your body is adequately hydrated. Drinking extra water, juice, or power drinks the day before your infusion can be helpful, but check with your healthcare team for advice. Avoid alcohol and beverages containing caffeine, which can be dehydrating.

During the ivig procedure

The day of the procedure, you may want to bring a book to read, music to listen to, and/or a blanket in case you get cold during the infusion. You may be given some medication before the infusion begins to help limit side effects.

As with any procedure, talk to your healthcare professional about concerns or complications. Visit our post on tackling procedure anxiety for more tips.

Written By
Know Rare Team