IVIg side effects: Perhaps a different brand of IVIg would help

I agree with the previous comments and assume that the doctor has suggested benedryl and tylenol or other medications to decrease the side effects.

I suffered severe side effects from IVIg even though I had benedryl (via the IV) and tylenol before and during each treatment.

An immunologist suggested trying a different brand of Ig. I was using Gamunex. There are a number of different manufacturers. You can find a brand comparion at:

[url]http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/docs/files/DShort_IVIGsidebysideupdatedDec07.pdf[/url]

Different manufacturers using different processes and chemicals and have different levels of IgA and other substances. Also as IVIg is taken from many different individuals, each dose is different and perhaps the side effects will lessen after future treatments.

Another important factor that I’ve noticed is diet. There’s an excellent book on diet called “Eat to Live” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman who treats autoimmune diseases with diet. It will not cure CIDP but I’ve found that it greatly improves the symptoms.

Also try to ensure that your son gets enough rest and is not under a lot of stress. Mild exercise, daily walks, good rest, good nutrition will hopefully help.

Good luck. There’s a lot of research happening and hopefully by the time your son is an adult there might be a cure. If he can take as good care of his health as possible until then to minimize nerve damage there might be a total cure.

I hope these comments help. Good luck.

Best regards, William