What do you need to know about IVIG?
Your doctor may do several things to reduce the chance of having these side effects, including:
- Performing certain blood tests before the IVIG is started
- Keeping you well hydrated, in some cases giving extra fluids (by mouth or intravenously)
- Giving the infusion more slowly
- Dividing a large dose into several smaller doses that are given over several days
How to administer IVIG?
Some of the diseases that intravenous immunoglobulin ( IVIg) can treat include:
- Immune deficiencies like immune thrombocytopenia
- Kawasaki disease
- Guillain -Barre syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Lupus
- Myositis
- Other rare diseases
- Neurological diseases like myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis
- People who receive bone marrow transplants may also use IVIg to prevent infections.
How to give IVIG?
IVIg is given through a drip into a vein, this is known as intravenous infusion. It is sometimes given as an injection into a muscle if you’re only taking it to increase your immunoglobulin levels following other treatments.
Does IVIG require a filter?
Currently there is only one product on the market that requires a filter and it is provided with the product, although some other products recommend filtration. Because most of the products on the market are pure IVIG and aggregates are not present, a filter is generally unnecessary.
What do I need to check before IVIG?
Before you start IVIg, your doctor will check the levels of immunoglobulins in your blood. If one type of immunoglobulin, known as IgA, is very low, then you may not be given IVIg.
What do you monitor during IVIG infusion?
Continue to monitor the patient's hydration status for a few days after he receives IGIV or teach him and family caregivers how to do so at home. Tell him to report any signs and symptoms of an adverse reaction to the infusion, such as fever, rash, shortness of breath, neck rigidity, or severe headache.
What does an IVIG nurse do?
The Nurse's Role in Administering IVIG Therapy Infusion nurses receive specialized training for peripheral IV insertion. When accessing peripherally, a thorough assessment of the patient's ease for access should be made.
How do you give IVIG nursing?
Initial Dose: Administer intravenously at 15 mg/kg/hr. If no adverse reactions occur after 30 minutes, the rate may be increased to 30 mg/kg/hr; if no adverse reactions occur after a subsequent 30 minutes, then the infusion may be increase to 60 mg/kg/hr (volume not to exceed 75 mL/hr).
How do you prepare for IVIG infusion?
Being fully hydrated before your IVIG infusion can help minimize symptoms like headaches after the treatment. IV nurses also administer pre-medications which can include Benadryl, Tylenol or Advil, and other medications to reduce the severity of the common side effects associated with Ig treatment.
Can IVIG cause bradycardia?
Several cardiac side effects due to IVIGs infusion have been reported including supraventricular tachycardia, hypotension, and bradycardia; however, these are usually rare and associated with an underlying heart disease3.
What are the side effects of IVIG?
One of the most common side effects is headache. Other side effects include chills, fever, flushing, flu-like muscle pains or joint pains, feeling tired, having nausea, vomiting, and rash.
What are the risks of IVIG?
A: Generally, IVIG infusion can cause migrainelike headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Infusion reactions including severe allergic reactions have been reported especially in patients with IgA deficiency. It may also promote thrombosis and may result in thromboembolic venous or arterial events.
Does IVIG need premedication?
Premedication prior to IVIG infusion is often necessary because the potential exists for severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis and/or more common side effects.
When do you give IVIG?
Some of the diseases that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can treat include:Immune deficiencies like immune thrombocytopenia.Kawasaki disease.Guillain-Barre syndrome.Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.Lupus.Myositis.Other rare diseases.Neurological diseases like myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis.More items...
How is IVIG reaction treated?
These adverse reactions can be managed by slowing down the infusion rate and giving of medications such as antihistamines, paracetamol and corticosteroids, or switching the IVIG to different preparation.
How fast should IVIG be infused?
RHA/site/unit policy may dictate more frequent monitoring during administration of IVIG. For first infusion or if greater than 8 weeks since last treatment, it is recommended to initiate infusion at 0.01 mL/kg/min for 30 minutes. Gradually increase rate every 15-30 minutes, as tolerated, according to steps in table.