Time Again for IVIG

What is IVIG?

Pooled human plasma is the starting point for the manufacture of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Plasma is obtained either by separation of whole blood or by plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is a process whereby only plasma is collected at the time of donation and the cellular components of blood are returned to the donor. The procedure is more time consuming for the donor. However, it does enable larger quantities of plasma to be collected more frequently from each donor.

Why is it Taken?

Some people may take IVIg instead of other medications (such as immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or biologic drugs) to help treat their immune system disorders. In some cases, you may take IVIg along with immunosuppressants or other meds.

Your body’s immune system normally makes enough antibodies to fight germs that cause infections. But if you have an immune deficiency, your body can’t make enough of them. This puts you at greater risk for infections that could make you very sick. IVIg gives you antibodies that your body is not making on its own so you can fight infections.

For me personally, it is taken because after over a decade of Cancer Treatments, Radiations, and Surgeries, my immune system has been shot to hell, but I am anemic which only serves to make matters worse instead of better.  My Oncologist thinks it is prudent especially since for the last 9 months or so, I have been experiencing ongoing sinus infections that could eventually impact other organs in my body.  

It takes about two and half hours to complete these infusions through my port.