IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin therapy) is a drug that serves to treat antibody deficiency. IVIG is also often used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as Kawasaki disease and prevent diabetes body's response to transplant Bone marrow.
IVIG is an immunoglobulin from blood plasma obtained from a healthy donor. IVIG belongs to the antiserum class of drugs that work by strengthening the immune system (immune system), fighting infections in the body, and stopping destructive antibodies from destroying blood, nerves, or other body tissues.
Merek trade IVIG: Privigen
What's that IVIG
| group | Antiserum |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | IVIG is used to treat antibody deficiency, prevent the body's rejection response to bone marrow transplantation, and treat several types of autoimmune diseases, including Kawasaki disease and Gullian-Barre syndrome. |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| IVIG for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. IVIG is not known to be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Infusion fluid |
Precautions Before Using IVIG
IVIG should not be used carelessly. Before using this medication, note the following:
- IVIG should not be used in patients who have a history of allergy to this drug. Tell any history of allergies you have.
- Do not vaccinate with live vaccines, such as the MR and MMR vaccines, while using IVIG. The new vaccination can be done 3 weeks before or 3 months after getting IVIG.
- Do not consume alcohol, drive a motor vehicle, or operate machinery and heavy equipment, while on treatment with IVIG, as this drug can cause dizziness
- Tell your doctor about your past or current medication history, especially if you have already had IVIG or are currently taking medication loop diuretic.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, or a blood clotting disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- During treatment with IVIG, your doctor will ask you to undergo regular checkups to monitor your condition and response to therapy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using IVIG.
Doseand Rules of UseIVIG
The dose given may vary, depending on age and the condition being treated. IVIG will be given by intravenous injection (through a vein). The following is the division of IVIG doses based on the purpose of treatment:
Purpose: Increase the number of antibodies in patients with primary antibody deficiency and patients with congenital immunocompromised
- Mature: 400-800 mg/kgBW.
Follow-up dose: 200 mg/kg every 3-4 weeks. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's body response.
Maintenance dose: 200–400 mg/kg every month.
- Children: 200–400 mg/kg every 3–4 weeks.
Purpose: Increase the number of antibodies in patients with secondary antibody deficiency
- Mature: 200–400 mg/kg/BW every 3-4 weeks.
Purpose: Treating Guillain-Barré . syndrome
- Mature: 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 5 consecutive days. If necessary, the dose is repeated every 4 weeks.
Purpose: Overcoming Kawasaki disease
- Mature: 1.6–2 g/kgBW given in divided doses for 2–5 days. The drug is given with acetylsalicylic acid.
Alternative dose: 2 g/kg body weight given in a single dose. The drug is given together with acetylsalicylic acid.
Purpose: Increase the number of platelets in ITP patients (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)
- Mature: 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 2–5 consecutive days.
Alternative dose: 800–1,000 mg/kgBW, given on the first day and can be repeated on the third day.
Purpose: Prevent infection after bone marrow transplant
- Mature: 500 mg/kgBW per week, the dose is adjusted according to the body's response.
Purpose: As part of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
- Mature: 500 mg/kgBW per week, starting 7 days before transplantation and up to 3 months after transplantation.
Purpose: Overcome chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Mature: 2 g/kg body weight given in divided doses for 2–5 consecutive days. Follow-up dose 1 g/kg body weight for 1-2 days every 3 weeks.
How to Use IVIG Correctly
IVIG should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. In general, IVIG is given through an IV (intravenous, IV). The dose and duration of IVIG use will be adjusted to the patient's condition and body response. IVIG administration schedule will be given by the doctor. Follow the schedule given by the doctor.
During treatment with IVIG, patients should have adequate fluid requirements, to reduce the risk of side effects. In addition, urine output and creatinine levels will also be checked regularly.
IVIG should be refrigerated at 2–8°C, should not be frozen and should be left at room temperature before use. Keep IVIG out of reach of children.
Interactions of IVIG with Other Drugs
The use of IVIG can interfere with the immune system's response to live vaccines, such as the measles (measles) vaccine, the mumps vaccine (mumps), the German measles (rubella) vaccine, and chicken pox (varricella). To be safe, it is recommended to vaccinate 3 weeks before or 3 months after receiving IVIG.
IVIG Side Effects and Hazards
IVIG rarely causes side effects. When side effects occur, these side effects usually subside on their own. Side effects that can occur include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- The heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia)
- Skin looks red (flush)
- Pain in the injected or injected area
In addition, the use of IVIG is also often associated with pompholyx or eczema, and is associated with thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders.
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not improve immediately. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which is characterized by swelling of the lips and eyelids, difficulty breathing, and a rash on the skin that feels itchy.
Please note, after receiving an IVIG injection or infusion, the body will immediately feel better. However, you will feel weak and tired as your IVIG dose decreases, especially as your next dose approaches.