"Recognized" treatment

IVIG is recognized as a treatment for CIDP and often is used as a first-line treatment since it is so effective in patients that respond to it. However, it is considered and “off label” treatment because it is not specifically approved by the FDA for treatment of CIDP. That does not mean that the insurance companies are off the hook for payment. Many drugs are recognized by the medical commuity for off label use because it is not feasible to run the studies necessary for FDA approval. In the case of CIDP, there simply not enough patients!