Immunoglobulin therapy

A choice will have been made based primarily on the route of administration of the product, either intravenous, (through your veins) or subcutaneous (through your skin) and the availability of that product in your area. The source plasma is the sa me, and most products are "fractionated" (separated out from) plasma by the same methods and have

Ig replacement therapy should protect against the common circulating bacteria and viruses but some common viral infections do not generate good lasting protective antibodies or these are not helpful in preventing recurrence, for example of the common cold. Patients with underlying lung, ear or sinus disease (e.g. bronchiectasis) may still get infection from infectious reservoirs

The beneficial effects of immunoglobulin therapy may take up to 12 weeks, to achieve steady trough levels, but many people notice fewer infections sooner.  Some patients are disappointed when features such as fatigue persist despite fewer infections and good trough levels, but this is not unusual.

It is never advisable to infuse whilst you are ill. The best course of action is to speak to your Immunology team.

Some patients have conditions that improve over time e.g secondary antibody deficiency, in such cases taking someone off immunoglobulin to see if their own immunity is improved can be a very positive step.

In general there is no contraindication between having immunoglobulin therapy and killed vaccines, but if the two are given close together and there are high levels of antibody in the Ig to the vaccine then the efficacy is likely to be impaired. Please check with your immunology team about the appropriate timing.

Where possible infusions once started should be completed without interruption. For unavoidable emergencies, we suggest disconnecting the needles and disposing of them and placing the caps on the syringes so the immunoglobulin is stored safely and hygienically. When you restart the infusion use fresh new needles for your infusion. If the break in infusion is

You should carry your immunoglobulin in your hand luggage and take it into the cabin with you.  It is recommended not to put immunoglobulin product in the hold because the hold’s temperature will cause it to freeze and this will affect its effectiveness.

It is normal for someone to suffer from fatigue after an infusion, especially if they are newly diagnosed. This feeling of tiredness should stop once their immunoglobulin levels are stable and they have been receiving treatment for a while.

Unfortunately we cannot give you a definite answer. Your immunology team will help ensure long-term patients are kept for as long as possible on a particular product. However there are factors beyond their control that might come into play. These include problems of supply of your particular product e.g. any unforeseen batch contamination issues or