Reply To: subcutaneous infusions

My neurologist recently prescribed weekly subcutaneous IG (“sub-q IG”) infusions in place of IVIG. My insurance company denied the request because Hyzentra is not FDA approved for use in treating CIDP.

Both are the same drug; human immunoglobulin.

IG has been demonstrably effective in keeping the advance of paralysis from my CIDP at bay.

Neither I nor my neurologist believe there is any reason to think a subcutaneous delivery of IG to a CIDP patient would be any less effective than IV infusions of the same drug.

I think sub-q IG treatments for CIDP have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of patients, as well as the potential to reduce costs for the insurance companies. I want to give it a try. I need the following questions answered in order to further appeal my insurance company’s denial.

ARE THERE ANY STUDIES BEING CONDUCTED OF SUBCUTANEOUS IG AS A TREATMENT FOR CIDP?

ARE THERE ANY BRANDS OF SUBCUTANEOUS IG THAT HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR USE IN TREATING CIDP?