Reply To: IVIG limit 70 grams/infusion????

Hi Rhonda ~ I’ve been getting 80 grams Gammagard ea 6 weeks (max infusion rate of 250ml/hr). They begin at 50 and work up to the 250 in 15 minute increments. I was told as long as I can ‘tolerate’ that dose should be no problem. When Gammagard was a powder they could mix it to any amount based on my Rx and my infusions were done over two days – a real hassle for me because they left the ‘thingy’ in my arm overnight and I had to travel back to the infusion center next day. Then Gammgard went to a liquid and only came in 200 ml bottles (10% solution) and my Rx calculation was slightly higher than 80 grams (4 bottles x 200ml x 10% = 80 grams) but less than 100 grams or 5 bottles. So, I did some number crunching and found out that if I only got 80 grams, it could be done in one day and represented 17% less than Rx. I discussed this with my Dr. and he was OK with it as a trial. It worked (as much as anyone can really know about these things). The plus side for me was one day in the chair vs two – one day outpatient copay vs two – less Rx copay. I feel the same after treatments, save money, and think the 17% difference is offset by not having an extra day of travel and extra session in that uncomfortable chair. Are we having fun yet?
Back to your post about the liver only being able to process so much of the immunoglobulin in a day certainly has my attention and makes common sense to me. I have no desire to go back to a two-day session but neither do I want to waste the positive effects of my ‘go juice’. I’ve been told and read that over time the dosage is less effective but for the last 10+ years that’s been my diet (no prednisone) with no apparent change in my so-called health. The general idea between my Dr and me is – if it’s working don’t try to fix it.
I know we are all different when it comes to treatments, but I would be most interested in any references or comments from others. Thanks for posting your question – Best Regards.