4 Questions to Ask about Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy

Patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) at the Jean Walter Infusion Center can anticipate a treatment tailored to boost their immune system, which is particularly beneficial for those with immune deficiencies or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.

IVIG therapy is also valuable in preventing infections following transplants or surgeries, catering to a wide range of medical needs. The infusion of IVIG delivers antibodies directly into the bloodstream, making up for those the body fails to produce. This process typically takes between one and four hours and is more potent than oral medications, which often lose effectiveness when processed through the digestive system.

During IVIG therapy, patients are monitored for comfort and response to treatment, with side effects generally being mild and brief. These may include headaches, chills, flu-like symptoms, and occasionally, more significant reactions if it’s the first treatment, after a long gap between sessions, or when switching IVIG brands.

Providers at the Jean Walter Infusion Center recommend IVIG after a thorough review for suitability, ensuring that each patient’s experience is as smooth and effective as possible, and adapting treatment plans as needed based on individual responses.

The necessity for ongoing IVIG treatment depends on the specific health conditions being treated and other health circumstances. For individuals with permanent or chronic conditions affecting the immune system, such as certain autoimmune diseases or severe immune deficiencies, IVIG may be a lifelong therapy to help manage symptoms and prevent infections.

IVIG may also be administered over a one-time series of treatments to support recovery from medical procedures or to treat acute conditions that are impacting the immune system.

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, each patient’s treatment plan is evaluated regularly and adjusted as necessary. This personalized approach ensures that the therapy suits a patient’s changing needs while maximizing the benefits of IVIG, considering any changes in their condition or overall health.

IVIG therapy offers a wide range of benefits and positive effects, especially for patients struggling with immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.

IVIG can help to improve the immune response by balancing essential antibodies needed to fight off infections and manage autoimmune activity. This is particularly helpful for patients who are unable to produce enough antibodies.

IVIG also helps to modulate the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body’s tissues, reducing symptoms of autoimmune disorders and enhancing the patient’s quality of life as a result.

Patients treated with IVIG at the Jean Walter Infusion Center often report improvements in their energy levels, a reduction in the frequency and severity of infections, and overall better management of their autoimmune symptoms. IVIG therapy helps patients achieve relief from symptoms while improving immune function to improve long-term health and wellness.

IVIG is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation, especially in conditions involving the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases. It works by increasing the levels of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream, which can adversely impact a wide range of diseases or treatments.

High doses of IVIG help decrease inflammation by blocking the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body’s cells, which is the fundamental problem causing autoimmune disorders.

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, IVIG therapy for inflammation is administered in treatment plans individually tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

The goal is to maximize the anti-inflammatory effects of IVIG, reduce symptoms, and prevent further immune-related damage. Patients undergoing IVIG therapy for inflammation may notice improvements on different timelines with some experiencing relief relatively quickly and experiencing reduced pain and swelling, which enhances their mobility and overall well-being.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) treatment is available at the Jean Walter Infusion Center. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Maryland. We serve patients from Catonsville MD, Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, North Baltimore MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, Woodlawn MD, and the surrounding areas.