What happens if your body's defense system, that is, the immune system, becomes weak? Very simple, you start getting sick more often. The body's ability to fight germs decreases. IVIG is a special treatment that doctors recommend to help people with these conditions. You may have heard this name. So let's talk about everything very simply and in a friendly way today.
Simply put, what is IVIg?
The full meaning of IVIg is Intravenous Immunoglobulin . Intravenous means "through a vein." Immunoglobulin is a special type of protein in our blood that fights disease . We also call these antibodies .
So, in IVIg treatment, a concentration of these antibodies, which are isolated from the blood of healthy people, is given to the body of someone with a weakened immune system through a vein. Simply put, it's like giving your body an extra army of soldiers to fight the disease.
This treatment is sometimes given instead of other medications (for example, immunosuppressants , corticosteroids, or biologic drugs). Some people may also receive IVIg along with these medications. This is all determined by your doctor.
What conditions is IVIg treatment given for?
IVIg treatment is often used to treat diseases that affect the immune system. If your immune system is not working properly, meaning it is not making enough antibodies, you are at a higher risk of developing bacterial infections. IVIg helps to fill that gap and protect you from infections.
The table below lists some of the most common conditions for which IVIg therapy is used.
| Condition | How IVIg Helps |
|---|---|
| Immune deficiencies - e.g. Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) | The body's own immune system prevents the destruction of blood platelets, helping to control bleeding. |
| Kawasaki disease | It reduces damage to the blood vessels of the heart, especially in this disease that occurs in children. |
| Guillain-Barré syndrome | The immune system controls the weakness and dysfunction caused by attacking the nerves. |
| Autoimmune diseases - e.g. Lupus, Polymyositis | Controls the destruction of the body's own cells (red blood cells, muscle cells). |
| Neurological diseases - e.g. Myasthenia gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Peripheral Neuropathy | Helps control damage to the nervous system and impaired function. |
| After a bone marrow transplant | It provides protection against external infections when the body's immunity is very weak. |
How is this treatment performed?
This is a very important issue. This liquid called Immunoglobulin is obtained from the blood plasma of healthy blood donors. This plasma is collected and tested very strictly for serious diseases like Hepatitis and HIV . Then it is cleaned and purified and used for treatment. So there is nothing to worry about its safety.
On the day of your treatment, a trained nurse will insert a small cannula into a vein in your arm, through which the medicine will be infused into your body like a saline bag. This process can usually take between 2 and 4 hours .
Most of the time, this treatment is given in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. However, in some cases, a trained medical professional can come to your home and give you this treatment.
How often you need to receive this treatment depends on many factors, including your medical condition and how your body responds. Most people are usually given this treatment every 3-4 weeks.
Are there any side effects of IVIg treatment?
Most people tolerate this treatment well. However, like any medicine, it can cause some side effects. Most of the time, these are minor and may occur shortly after treatment.
| Side effects of IVIg treatment | |
|---|---|
| Common (non-serious) side effects | |
| Headache | Feeling tired, muscle pain |
| Slight fever, feeling cold | Itching, redness, blistering of the skin |
| Upper abdominal pain | Swelling |
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately (these are rare) | |
| Severe headache, stiff neck | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Pain in the face, around the eyes, cough and phlegm |
| Important: If you experience symptoms of an allergy (e.g., hives, chest tightness, wheezing), go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. | |
Another thing is that in the first few days after treatment, you may feel very well. That's because your body's antibody levels are at their highest. But as the next treatment approaches, after those antibodies have been absorbed into your body, you may feel a little tired and weak. This is normal.
How do you prepare for treatment?
It is very important to be prepared and comfortable on the day of your treatment. Here are some tips to help you:
- Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water and fluids the day before, during, and after your treatment. This will greatly reduce the risk of side effects like headaches.
- Ask about your medication: If you are taking medication for other conditions, ask your doctor or nurse whether or not to take that medication on the day of your treatment.
- Bring something to entertain yourself: Since you'll be in one place for several hours, bringing something to entertain yourself, like a book, magazine, or a movie on your phone, can help you stay occupied.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to insert the cannula into. You may feel cold because the treatment center has AC. So it is a good idea to bring something to cover up with or a sweater.
- Share past experiences: If you have had side effects from IVIg treatment in the past, tell the nurse before starting treatment so they can keep an eye out for them.
Take-Home Message
- IVIg is a treatment that uses antibodies taken from the blood of healthy people and given intravenously to someone with a weakened immune system.
- This gives your body extra strength to fight infections.
- This treatment is used for a number of autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders, such as Lupus, ITP, and Myasthenia Gravis.
- The treatment takes a few hours, and minor side effects are possible, but serious ones are rare. Talk to your doctor about any discomfort.
- Side effects can be minimized by preparing well before treatment (especially by drinking plenty of water).
- Talk openly with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you and its pros and cons.
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