I listened to a webinar for health care providers about MS immune dysfunction that included a deep overview of DMTs. The physician speaker mentioned checking IgG levels at baseline and yearly with Ocrevus.
My Neuro has not done this and I was wondering what others experiences were?
Thanks!
Nope, what’s the rationale? Is this webinar available to the public?
Rationale: IgG too low —> inc. infections
Webinars about MS every 2 weeks for providers (you qualify 😉) by catamount cMSc. If they send the recording, I will try to post here
Was there a point in the infusion cycle that was best to check the level? How long to wait to check a lab when levels are too low? I believe my PCP will be interested in checking this if I ask. My neuro doesn’t check for CD19, or has not thus far. Thank you!! I would be very interested in watching/hearing those!
I asked, he said at baseline and then yearly while on Ocrevus. Good question about what to do if too low. I had cd19 checked once and then heard BCBS would no longer pay for that test
I don’t have a baseline either. I wonder how low is too low for that also. I wonder why these things were not established during the years of rituximab 🤔Ugh. I guess it’s good they are still lying for the drug. We go generic soon? I wonder how that will go with insurance.
Ty so much for sharing all of the info, and for taking the time to participate in these webinars. 🙏
Mine hasn’t checked this. I have a follow up appointment next week so I’ll ask about this and see what he says.
The Dr speaking was Dr Lubin. I’m going to research the IgG thing further because I’ve not ever heard this before...🤷♀️
multiplesclerosisnewstoday.... found this, but it makes me less concerned until year 6 (hopefully I can keep it for that long).
Thanks. That’s good info to know. Although the Doc said the reason to check baseline is to assure you don’t have another reason for low IgG before starting. Maybe would be a good thing to monitor throughout (yearly) and catch early?
Interesting that they should say this. When I was researching DMTs for SPMS, I spoke to the neuro back in Florida who had dx'ed and treated me before I moved to AZ. He agreed with the Ocrevus recommendation (as did a good friend who is a breast surgeon, her oncologist partner, and my brother, who is a PharmD) and said that he did order IGg levels before each infusion. I spoke to my current neuro at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and he doesn't do that testing. I had my first infusion in August so I am due in February, but I did not have a significant drop in my immune functions, unlike when I was on Gilenya 10 years ago and my immune system crashed so badly that my neuro sent me to an immunologist. So without that sharp downward turn, I am not sure that he will want to test my IGg levels, but I am going to ask. Thanks, erash .
i am sure it somehow has to do with insurance,glad to have it but they do make many decisions for us
My neuro has checked mine since starting treatment of any kind about every six months, I feel very fortunate to have the neurologist I have been with for most of my ms journey. She is very thorough and takes time to understand my experience with this disease. Hope this is helpful Rober
After reading your responses and looking at the literature (to include Bart’s Prof G), I’m going to ask to have my IgG checked with next labs. Doesn’t seem like a big deal but just a precaution
My Neuro did. She runs all kinds of tests every time I go see her. She says that these tests can show a multitude of problems if any before they show up elsewhere. She likes to look at the whole body rather than just one part.
No idea what this is, but looked at my Ocrevus biannual blood test results, and it was there.
You’ve got me curious I just checked my blood work from before my latest infusion and Neuro did actually order immuno globin check and mine was dead normal for all three . She never mentioned it.
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