We’ve shared the story of Jeffrey’s treatment before: first the painful, intramuscular injections of gamma globulin that left him sore for days, followed by the intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) therapy. The treatment sometimes improved his life for weeks! Jeffrey was in the first clinical trial for IVIG at Memorial Sloan Kettering, under the care of Dr. Robert Good, and there was so much information for us to absorb as parents.
Our lives became a whirlwind of hospitals and doctors’ offices. When appropriate, immunoglobulin therapy is an accepted treatment for a wide range of Primary Immunodeficiencies. We had to quickly learn what immunoglobulin was and how different therapy options could help keep Jeffrey healthy.
Immunoglobulins (Ig) are antibodies produced by immune cells to protect your body from different bacteria and infections. Ig products are complex to produce and depend on regular blood and plasma donations. Ig therapy can be intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) and must be maintained regularly to keep patients as healthy as possible.
Each dose of immunoglobulin therapy is individually determined based on the patient’s weight, Ig blood levels, tolerance of treatment, and symptoms. IVIG is typically administered every 3-4 weeks through your vein at a medical facility. SCIG is typically administered weekly into the fatty tissue under your skin through a fine needle. Your care professional will train you to administer the treatment on your own, wherever you may be. Be sure to insert the infusion in the same place to promote quicker recovery, and store materials carefully according to instructions.
Remember to consult or discuss with your doctor if you are confused or have questions at any point before starting or throughout your treatment.
We are happy to share the wonderful brochure that AusPIPS Inc., in collaboration with IDFA, IDFNZ, Myasthenia Alliance Australia and Myeloma Australia, has developed to explain the uses of immunoglobulin replacement therapy for new and existing patients. AusPIPS Inc. is a collective of people who have had a Primary Immune Deficiency (PID) diagnosis along with parents of children who have had the same.