Charles, this is a sort of

case-by-case, person-person thing. We each react very differently.
Everyone has given you solid advice!
There are variables tho? You, overall in your CIDP, and maybe other issues? and the rate, and brand of IG given to you.
My own experiences were as follows: First-two tylenol; then three. THEN- Two tylenol and a benedryl, Then two benedryl and two tylenol. Now Three benedryl and no tylenol. The benedryl knocks me out for the rest of the day after the infusion, but it’s a FAR better alternative to those HEADACHES one can get. This is truly worth it all in the end.
[B]DO ABSOLUTELY HYDRATE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN![B][/B][/B] This can’t be stated more emphatically? Not only does it make you easier to get that ‘line’ into you, but, you will feel better and make things easier on those auxiliary organs that filter out the stuff the IG ‘over-rides’ and eliminates? I usually start hydrating [drinking LOTS of water] two days before infusions. Believe me, you will KNOW when you’ve enough fluids in you? You will be going ‘down the hall’ every half hour or so. Better too much than too little.
The OTHER key thing to do? Is to report to your neuro ASAP any bad reactions that you might have. That way the doc and YOU can twiggle the pre-med thing to work for you. I have to admit, that, as my dose went up and the infusion time went down [w/o bad side effects] this all is a very delicate balance as you are, really, adding a non-personal material into your body.
IF/SHOULD anything NOT feel ‘right’ during or after any infusion? Do NOT hesitate to call your doc and ask! It is far, far better to be safe, than sorry in the long term!
It is one thing to be aware of problems, the more aware of possible problems, the better you will be to recognize them and seek the help you need. You have to know how it should be infused correctly and then make sure it is so. Therefore, keep a pad and pen handy and RECORD every rate change, as well as the brand and rates that are put into you and the times. Fewer short-cuts [which can happen] will occur IF those administering the IG know YOU are keeping track. To keep a record yourself? It shows your doc that you haven’t been slack in caring about HOW you are being treated. Sometimes we just don’t know what to look for or ask? Well, keep those records!
I hope this helps even a little?