Reply To: IVIG Treatment – To Continue or Not

It is fairly common for patients to experience headache (which can be mild to severe), stiff neck, and fever during or shortly after an infusion. Patients may also feel fatigued or flu type symptoms for a day or two after their infusion. This is called aseptic meningitis syndrome. These symptoms are manageable and can be minimized or prevented by infusing IVIg very slowly.

Variation in blood pressure, shortness of breath, chills, fever, rashes and any allergic reactions must be closely monitored during the infusions. Discuss your questions about side effects or possible allergic reactions with your physician and your infusion nurse.

The length of time it takes for an IVIg infusion will vary for each person. On average, it is between 4 to 6 hours. The specific dose ordered by your physician, in addition to your own tolerance to the medication, will determine your length of stay at the Infusion Center.

Usually an IVIg dose of 2 GMs/kg is divided into 2 doses which would be infused over 2 days. This same dose may be given on alternate days or even divided over 5 days if side effects become a problem. Treatment is usually repeated every 4 to 6 weeks.