Why is this procedure done?
Immunoglobulins are found in plasma, which makes up part of the blood. They are also called antibodies. These antibodies help fight germs. This procedure is done to treat problems of the immune system, such as: ‚
- Autoimmune disease ¢ ˆ ’ When the body starts to attack its own cells
- Immunodeficiency ¢ ˆ ’ A weak immune system
- Some types of inflammatory disease
- Some types of leukemia
This treatment may be called IVIG, which stands for intravenous immunoglobulin. ‚
What will the results be?
This should help your immune system fight germs better so you will be healthier. This should help to lessen the side effects of your illness. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
You may not have to do anything special before getting IVIG. Sometimes, you will have blood tests to see how well your kidneys are working. You may be given drugs to lower the chance of a bad allergic reaction. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
Antibodies are taken from the plasma donated by healthy people. They are added to a sterile fluid. You will have an I.V., most often in your arm. The mixture will flow into your vein through the I.V. This may take 2 to 8 hours, based on how you are feeling. You may have effects that cause the procedure to take longer. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- Routine I.V. fluids may be connected to the line to make sure all the IVIG has been given.
- The I.V. is taken out and you may go home. You may feel a little pain where the I.V. was placed.
- Your body uses the antibodies over the next 3 to 4 weeks. You may need routine doses or maintenance care after the first infusion.
- You may need more blood tests to check how well your kidneys and immune system are working.
What care is needed at home?
Take all your drugs as ordered. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Do not take any new vaccines or drugs without checking with your doctor. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Chills
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Back or hip pain
- Headache
- Infection
- Fluid in the lungs
- Damage to the kidneys
- Blood clots
- Very bad allergic reaction to the IVIG
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Confusion
- Slurred or abnormal speech
- Fast heartbeat; weak or fast pulse
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach, throwing up, loose stools, or belly pain
- Skin becoming reddish
- Dark colored urine or less urine output
Where can I learn more?
Immune Deficiency Foundation ‚
http://primaryimmune.org/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚