Managing Autoimmune Diseases with IVIG Therapy Q&A

Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, at Jean Walter Infusion Center, is a highly skilled and experienced physician who specializes in delivering advanced treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to patients suffering from various autoimmune diseases. His expertise in managing chronic conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s cells makes him a trusted choice for anyone pursuing this kind of treatment.

IVIG therapy is administered with the utmost care and precision. Our team ensures that the intravenous injection of healthy antibodies is carried out safely, aiming to boost the immune system and suppress its overactivity.

We are also aware and cautious of the potential side effects of IVIG therapy, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, allergic reactions, and, in rare cases, more serious complications like kidney damage. Dr. Nasseri ensures his patients are fully informed and prepared before initiating therapy and always prioritizes their safety and comfort.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, the response of every patient to IVIG therapy is closely monitored. This allows him to identify any resistance and make required modifications to the treatment strategy, guaranteeing the greatest possible outcome for each patient.

While recognizing that IVIG therapy is not a cure, we believe it can play a crucial role in managing autoimmune diseases and improving the patient’s quality of life. With his expertise and the dedicated team at Jean Walter Infusion, patients can rest assured that their long-term management plan for autoimmune diseases will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is commonly used for a range of autoimmune, infectious, and idiopathic disorders. This involves administering antibodies from healthy donors directly into the patient’s bloodstream.

We understand that the safety of long-term IVIG therapy has been a subject of ongoing research within the medical community. However, studies have generally shown that IVIG therapy is well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile, even when administered over extended periods.

While most patients tolerate IVIG well, like any medical treatment, IVIG therapy does come with potential risks and side effects. These can include common, often mild, side effects such as fever, chills, rash, headache, fatigue, and nausea.

We also recognize that more serious side effects can occur, such as kidney damage, blood clots, and severe allergic reactions. We consider all potential risk factors, such as the underlying medical condition being treated, the dosage and frequency of IVIG infusions, and the patient’s characteristics. By focusing on every detail, we effectively lower the risk of complications and ensure top-notch care for our patients.

At our clinic, the choice to begin and maintain long-term IVIG therapy is determined individually, following a comprehensive evaluation of the potential benefits and risks. We carefully track each patient’s response to the treatment and make adjustments to the therapy plan as needed. Our skilled healthcare team is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of IVIG therapy for the duration of the treatment.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we focus on providing a personalized care experience for each of our patients. Dr. Nasser Nasseri, one of our highly experienced physicians, specializes in delivering Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. This treatment is primarily used to manage various immune deficiencies. However, IVIG therapy can have potential interactions with other medications. Our patients need to understand these interactions to ensure they receive the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Live Vaccines:

IVIG therapy can interact with live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. The therapy can lessen the efficacy of these vaccines, potentially leading to a reduced anticipated immune response. Hence, it is often recommended that patients receiving IVIG therapy delay getting live vaccines for at least three months following their treatment.

Immunosuppressants and Immunomodulatory Medications:

When used simultaneously with immunosuppressants, IVIG therapy may have an additive effect, leading to exaggerated immune suppression. This effect can increase the risk of infections, especially when combined with immunomodulatory therapies such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus.

Diuretics and Nephrotoxic Drugs:

Our team at Jean Walter Infusion pays careful attention to patients receiving both IVIG therapy and diuretics. This combination can affect kidney function and fluid balance, hence raising the possibility of renal injury.

Drugs Affecting Kidney Function and Drug Metabolism Interactions:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other drugs affecting kidney function may interact with IVIG treatment. Likewise, IVIG can alter the metabolism of other concurrently administered medications, affecting the clearance or elimination of drugs like acetaminophen, phenytoin, and valproic acid.

Anticoagulants:

IVIG contains immunoglobulins that can interfere with the clotting cascade. Therefore, co-administration with anticoagulants like warfarin or heparin may increase the risk of bleeding.

Monitoring and Considerations:

Our team emphasizes the importance of patients informing healthcare providers about all the medications they are taking. It’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider for tailored medical advice. Our expert, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, is always ready to guide you through your treatment journey.

At Dr. Nasser Nasseri’s medical practice, we specialize in the treatment of autoimmune diseases through Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s tissues, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. IVIG therapy is often used to help manage this overactive immune response by supplying antibodies that may be lacking or not functioning properly.

Through our practice, we not only administer IVIG therapy but also emphasize the vital role that diet and lifestyle strategies play in managing autoimmune diseases.

Dietary Strategies: From anti-inflammatory foods to avoiding inflammatory triggers, we understand the importance of a balanced diet. We encourage a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids while advising against processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. We also understand the importance of maintaining sufficient protein and calorie intake for immune function, tissue repair, and energy levels.

Lifestyle Modifications: Beyond dietary adjustments, we recognize the significant impact that certain lifestyle modifications can have on the effectiveness of IVIG therapy. We promote regular exercise, effective stress management, healthy sleep habits, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.

Hydration and Gut Health: Keeping our patients well-hydrated is of utmost importance to us, especially when undergoing IVIG therapy. Hydration helps maintain optimal blood volume and prevents side effects related to IVIG infusions. Additionally, we understand the critical role a healthy gut plays in immune function and recommend probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods.

By adhering to these dietary and lifestyle recommendations and working closely with our healthcare professionals at Dr. Nasser Nasseri’s practice, patients can optimize the management of their autoimmune diseases, improve the effectiveness of IVIG therapy, and enhance their quality of life.

At our clinic, we are committed to helping you manage your autoimmune condition effectively. With our specialized IVIG therapy, we focus on delivering top-quality care to improve your health and well-being. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today or book an appointment online to begin your journey to better health. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edgewater MD, Baltimore MD, Rosedale MD, North Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, and Catonsville MD. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Catonsville MD, North Baltimore, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.