IMMUNOGLOBULIN
THERAPY
Information for Patients
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WHAT ARE IMMUNOGLOBULINS?
Immunoglobulins (Ig) are antibodies, which are usually found
naturally in our blood, saliva, tears and mucus. They defend
our bodies by fighting infections.
WHAT IS IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY USED FOR?
Immunoglobulins are used to treat conditions where there are
less of these antibodies than we need or they are
missing altogether. Such conditions are known as Primary
Immunodeficiency, and include: - Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- IgG Subclass Deficiency
- Specific Antibody Deficiency
- IgA Antibody Deficiency
- X Linked Antibody Deficiency.
- Hyper IgM Syndrome (CD40 ligand deficiency)
HOW CAN IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY BE GIVEN?
In Leicester Ig therapy is given in two main ways
1. Intravenously (IV) into a vein.
2. Subcutaneously (SC) under the skin.
The right treatment for you will be discussed with you by the
Consultant Clinical Immunologist and the Specialist Nurse in
Immunology.
HOW DOES IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY WORK?
By giving IV or SC Ig the antibodies that are missing from the
blood are replaced. This helps the body to fight off or prevent
future infections.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS WITH THIS
TREATMENT?
Although side effects or adverse reactions are rare they may
still occur. Symptoms may include nausea, chills, chest pain
and headaches.
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The immunoglobulin is manufactured from a large amount of
blood and goes through different stages of preparation to
detect and inactivate viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
and HIV. However there is still a small risk that blood borne
infections such as Hepatitis, and others which have not yet
been discovered, may be transmitted through
immunoglobulin. It is important that this small risk is
weighed against the benefits of treatment for each patient.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO HAVE IMMUNOGLOBULIN
THERAPY?
Because these conditions are caused by an inability of the
body to make antibodies to fight disease, the treatment
will most likely be continued indefinitely.
HOW OFTEN IS IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY GIVEN?
Usually Ig therapy is given every 2 - 3 weeks if given IV or
every 1 - 2 weeks if given SC depending on each patient's
requirements.
HOW LONG WILL THE INFUSION TAKE?
For your first infusion you may only have a test dose of Ig
which will be given very slowly and will probably take all day.
Depending on the dose IVIg infusions generally take 4 - 5
hours every 2 - 3 weeks, and SCIg 1 - 2 hours every 1- 2
weeks.
DO I HAVE TO COME TO HOSPITAL FOR THERAPY?
Initially your therapy will be hospital based until the
Consultant Clinical Immunologist, Specialist Nurse and
yourself are satisfied that there are no side effects and that
you are responding to therapy (about four to six months).
Then if you fulfil certain criteria you may be entered into the
Home Therapy Programme.
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For further information please talk to your Specialist Nurse or
your Consultant Clinical Immunologist at this hospital.
Telephone: 0116-258-6702
Or
Contact the Primary Immunodeficiency Association (PiA),
who produce a number of very useful leaflets about all
aspects of primary Immunodeficiency and can be contacted
at:PiA, Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street, London, SW1H 0QS.
Telephone: 0171-976-7640
Website:
Facsimile: 0171-976-7641
www.pia.org.uk
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If you would like this information in another language or format,
please contact the Service Equality Manager on 0116 258 4382.
Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajalad
ama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir, Maamulaha Adeegga Sinaanta 0116 258
4382.
Eĝer bu broşürün (kitapçıĝın) yazılı veya kasetli açıklamasını
isterseniz lütfen servis müdürüne 0116 258 4382 telefonundan
ulaşabilirsiniz.
Written by Janet Harrison and Laura King - Specialist Nurses in Immunology.
Department of Immunology
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester Royal infirmary NHS Trust.
Written: October 1999
Updated: November 2007
Revision due: November 2009
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