What is immunoglobulin therapy?: - CLL Support

CLL Support

23,253 members39,949 posts

What is immunoglobulin therapy?

Marisa profile image
7 Replies
Written by
Marisa profile image
Marisa
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

It is a purified blood product collected from 2000 or more people that boosts immunoglobulin G an antibody. CLL can depleat these antibodies, which causes repeated bacterial infections. The interavenous IgG infusion every 3 to 4 weeks increases these antibodies in the patients blood, helping to ward off some types of infection. It does nothing to treat the actual CLL.

Here is more

rbht.nhs.uk/EasysiteWeb/get...

Marisa profile image
Marisa

Thank you. Are there any side effects. Am just wondering if it is the next treatment after all the usual treatments? I am in remission at the moment and my last treatment was FCR followed by Rituximab. Am not sure what will happen when I become I'll again.

MsLockYourPosts profile image
MsLockYourPostsPassed Volunteer

IVIG (gamma globulin) infusions are not treatment for CLL. One would be considered for IVIG if a blood test shows your IgG level to be low and if you are having repeated infections or, usually, 2 serious infections, like pneumonia, in the dame year. I am watch and wait with good labs except that my IgG level will not stay up on it's own. I have been getting IVIG infusions since 2002. Most people do not have reactions to IVIG, but it is a possibility. It's critical that, if during an infusion, you feel even the slightest bit "off", you tell your nurse immediately (basic advice for any treatment). Sometimes changing brands will solve the problem if there is a reaction. UCLA and Ohio State, and I'm sure other infusion centers, are now using Privigen, as they are not seeing reactions with it overall.

Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

Yes there are side effects but as mentioned some patients tolerate one brand over another.

more here

gammagard.com/patients-and-...

Tanagergreen profile image
Tanagergreen

I started immunoglobulin treatment a few weeks ago, and have it every week, i can do it myself now, and have had no side effects at all.

anaturallearner profile image
anaturallearner

I have had five transfusions of IVIG so far and we suspect that a mild hives outbreak occurring 3-4 days was caused by three of them. I'm waiting to see if it happens after my last transfusion on Wednesday. If it does we're trying another brand. Hives was most noticeably on my face - bright mildly itchy blotches in a red face that eventually peeled like sunburn, plus a mildly itchy hives rash on my torso and upper arms.

lartington profile image
lartington

my husband has had ivig for two and a half years every 28 days. Until 3 months ago he had no side effects, but the last 3 months has felt nauseous , flue-like and generally under the weather. These symptoms lasted from 2 to 6 days. The very latest infusion however, he omitted his usual water tablet the previous day and took on board an increased liquid intake also the same during the infusion day and the day following, he felt much better, we will repeat the same actions on Feb 18th which is the next infusion.Also, if the infusion rate is increased too quickly this can add to his misery. His infusion of 3 bottles usually takes 6 - 7 hours.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Immunoglobulin infusion

I'm going to have one of these soon. How will I be the next morning?
Corin850 profile image

Immunoglobulin tests

Hi again. Yesterday I asked my GP if I could have my blood immunoglobulin levels checked as I like...
Fogey profile image

Treatment with immunoglobulin

I listened to Inside Health, a documentary series on BBC Radio 4, a couple of weeks ago. In it it...
jovialsteve profile image

What is happening?

Hello!! I had terrible 2 days. Our doctor couldn't continue with RB theraphy because my husbands...
aylinozel profile image

What is Cellulitis?

I just got the second series of my pneumonia shot and second series of the new shingles shot, both...
awoodiette profile image

Moderation team

See all
Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator
Jm954 profile image
Jm954Administrator
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.