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How IVIG Works1

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is helpful to some people with primary immunodeficiency (PI) because it temporarily replaces infection-fighting antibodies that some PI patients are missing.

This purified plasma treatment contains antibodies collected from the plasma of healthy donors and purified through a special process so that the therapy is safe and effective. Most of the antibodies are of the IgG class of antibodies, also called immunoglobulin G or gamma globulin.

How is IVIG administered?

IVIG is given intravenously, which means through a needle directly into a vein. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage, based on a number of individual factors, including your weight, your condition, and how well the IVIG treats or prevents symptoms.

IVIG can be administered in a hospital outpatient unit, infusion center, or your home. A typical infusion takes 2-4 hours, although some patients may require slower infusions to avoid side effects. View an IVIG video.

How often do PI patients get infusions?

IVIG replaces antibodies the body should be making, but does not help the patient's own immune system make more, so repeat doses are needed, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.

PI patients who rely on IVIG generally need infusions throughout their lives.

Are all IVIGs the same?

There are some differences in IVIG brand formulas that may make one product more suitable for you than another, such as sugar content, IgA content, sodium content, and use of latex or preservatives. Your doctor can help you determine which brand is best for you.

Learn about GAMMAGARD IVIG options

GAMMAGARD LIQUID is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. These include but are not limited to congenital X-linked agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.

Please see the detailed Important Risk Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD LIQUID [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] for full prescribing details.

GAMMAGARD S/D and GAMMAGARD S/D, IgA less than 1 µg/mL in a 5% solution are indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. These include but are not limited to congenital X-linked agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies. GAMMAGARD S/D must not be used in patients with selective IgA deficiency (IgA < 0.05 g/L) where the IgA deficiency is the only abnormality of concern.

Please see the detailed Important Risk Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD S/D [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] for full prescribing details.

Please see the detailed Important Risk Information and Full Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD S/D [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)], IgA less than 1 µg/mL in a 5% solution for full prescribing details.

  1. Blaese RM, Winkelstein J. Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007.