Intravenous Immunoglobulin - IVIG Program
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a solution of highly purified immunoglobulin G, derived from large pools of human plasma that contain antibodies against a broad spectrum of bacterial and viral agents. This solution is delivered intravenously and is used primarily to treat three categories of illnesses: immunodeficiencies, autoimmune neuromuscular disorders, and certain rheumatologic conditions.
NOTE: IVIg is also known as IGG, IVIG, IGIV, immune globulin, immunoglobulin, and immune globulin intravenous (human) (systemic).
Patients with primary immune defeciencies usually receive treatment therapy for life and patients being treated for autoimmune neuromuscular disorders and rheumatologic conditions tend to receive therapy for a more limited period which may be months or years.
IVIG Products
The Food and Drug Administration has approved IVIG for six conditions, but many other off-label conditions are supported by a concensus of expert opinion. For a comparison of IVIG products, NBN Infusions, Inc., an IVIG Specialty Pharmacy, offers an IVIG Comparison Chart. IVIG manufacturers in the U.S. include Baxter Healthcare, Grifols, Octapharma, Talecris Biotherapeutics-USA and ZLB Behring. For a current list of the IVIG products marketed in the U.S., see below:
Product |
Manufactured By |
| Liquids: |
| Flebogamma® |
Grifols |
| Privigen Liquid |
CSL Behring |
| Gamunex |
Talecris Biotherapeutics-USA |
| Octagam® |
Octapharma |
| Gammagard Liquid® |
Baxter Healthcare |
| Powders: |
| Carimune NF |
ZLB Behring |
| Gammagard® S/D |
Baxter Healthcare |
| Gammar® P |
ZLB Behring |
| Iveegam EN |
Baxter Healthcare |
| Panglobulin® NF |
American Red Cross |
| Polygam® S/D |
American Red Cross |
What Does IVIG Treat?
IVIG Therapy has been used extensively in the treatment and prevention of a variety of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Patients with compromised Immune systems who have these conditions often benefit from the passive immunity provided by IVIG therapy.
IVIG is used in patients with primary immunodeficiencies and certain conditions associated with B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Pediatric HIV, and Bone Marrow Transplant. IVIG is also utilized to raise platelet counts in patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and to treat the symptoms related to other clinical conditions such as Kawasaki Syndrome.
Various other diseases and immune disorders where IVIG is used include:
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Myasthenia Gravis(MG)
- Systenic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- Autoimmune Diabetic Neuropathy
- Polymyositis
- Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
- Dermatomyositis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
- Hypogammaglobulinemia
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)
- X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA)
- other connective tissue disorders
What is Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC Injection?
Immune Globulin SC (SCIG, IGSC, Vivaglobin®) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain infections. It is used in patients who are at an increased risk of infection. It also is used as replacement therapy in people who do not produce enough immune globulin. Immune globulin SC contains human antibodies or proteins that provide immunity. The antibodies or proteins are collected from the pooled blood of many individuals, then tested and treated to prevent the transmission of hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS). Generic immune globulin SC injections are not yet available.
Vivaglobin® can benefit many of our patients with PI - from those who would prefer a more convenient treatment, to those who find IVIG infusions less accessible due to poor venous access, or who find that efficacy wears off before their next appointment. Administered by patients subcutaneously, Vivaglobin® is a simple and safe alternative to IVIG.
NBN Infusions Vivaglobin Referral & Order Form
Where can I find more information?
Learning about your treatment is important, so that you can take an active role in your everyday life. To learn more about immune deficiency, please visit:
