IVIG Versus Sub Q IGG Therapy for Primary Immunodeficiency Patients - A Patient's Perspective

After a little over a year since my diagnosis, I am learning each day how to deal with this disease.  One thing that I thought might be helpful for people who are just starting out on IGG treatment was to list out my experience with the two types of therapies.  Please remember this is not medical advice.  It is just based on my experience from my own personal treatment journey.

For those unfamiliar with primary immunodeficiency or IGG therapy, here is a quick rundown.  For more information, please check out the Immune Deficiency Foundation (primaryimmune.org) or the Jeffrey Modell Foundation (info4pi.org).

1.  What is a primary immunodeficiency?

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI) are a group of more than 200 rare, chronic disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or functions improperly.

2.  How is it treated?

The typical treatments that I have had is antibiotics to clear existing infections and immunoglobulin therapy to prevent future infections.   This treatment is lifesaving for people who have an antibody deficiency. Immunoglobulin consists of antibody proteins needed for the immune system to fight infections.  It is taken from blood plasma donors and pooled together to be given to people who don't make enough on their own.

3.  What is IVIG?

IVIG is immunoglobulin therapy administered via IV.

4.  What is Sub Q?

Sub Q is a term used to immunoglobulin therapy administered under the skin (subcutaneously).

Now forward to the pros and cons of each!

IVIG Pros:

-It is a less overall monthly time commitment (often every 3-4 weeks).
-It gives you a bigger boost of energy when you get it.
-There is no need to learn how to do it yourself.
-It is good for if you have a fear of or just cannot stick yourself with needles all the time.
-Easier to travel without hauling all your infusion equipment with you if you travel between treatments.

IVIG Cons:
-It has more side effects (i.e. headache, nausea, feeling bad during "processing time").
-There are more "highs" and "lows" due to getting larger amount of medication all at once.
-My insurance approves IVIG for a smaller time period than Sub Q, so there is a need to deal with approvals more often.
-Scheduling can be a pain. It can be difficult to coordinate a schedule with a nurse for a period of 5 hours every time you need your medication.

Sub Q Pros:
-It is very convenient in that you get to schedule your own time when you do it.
-You are the nurse. You get to do it yourself and have control over how you do it and how you stick yourself with needles.
-There are less side effects, less headache, nausea, recovery time after infusion.
-There are less "highs" and "lows" due to getting the medication in smaller quantities more often.
-Insurance seems to approve Sub Q for a longer time period.

Sub Q Cons:
-It requires more of a time commitment through frequent infusions (weekly often, I've even heard of people who have to do bi-weekly).
-Not good for someone with a fear of needles.
-Have to learn how to do it yourself and have a nurse train you.
-It is harder to travel with hauling all the infusion equipment.

 When choosing what kind of therapy, it really comes down to what is best for each person. Whether on IVIG or Sub Q, you are still getting a life-saving temporary immune system to help you live life to the fullest. It is important to be grateful each day for it. The blood plasma donors that make this medication possible are saving the lives of people with primary immunodeficiency, that that is priceless.

Want to help?  Donate blood plasma.  There are donation centers all over the United States and the world.  Find the one nearest you at donatingplasma.org.  It is always needed, and usually you are paid a little money for your time.  You can also donate to the Immune Deficiency Foundation (primaryimmune.org) or the Jeffrey Modell Foundation (info4pi.org).  Thank you from a person whose life is touched every day by your gift!