When you’re managing a complex health condition, you may have questions about your treatment options.
Two therapies you might hear about are IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) and plasmapheresis. Both can play an important role in supporting your immune system, but they work in different ways.
Everyone’s treatment journey is different, and what you need will depend on your condition as well as a few other factors. What matters most is that you feel supported, informed, and involved in your care.
What Is IVIG?
IVIG, or intravenous immunoglobulin, is a therapy that gives your immune system a helpful boost.
IG (immunoglobulin) therapy is made from antibodies—special proteins that help your body fight off infections. These antibodies come from the plasma of healthy donors and go through a careful screening and purification process to make sure they’re safe and effective, and they’re delivered directly into a vein through an intravenous (IV) line.
How IVIG Works
IG treatment is often used when your immune system isn’t working the way it should—either because it’s too weak or because it’s attacking your own body. This treatment can help by supplying the antibodies you need or by calming an overactive immune response.
IG works in a few key ways:
- It strengthens your immune system by giving it the antibodies it needs to fight off infections.
- It calms inflammation in autoimmune diseases by helping regulate how your immune system responds.
- It protects tissues and organs by preventing further immune system damage.
This therapy can make a big difference for people with conditions like:
- Primary immunodeficiencies
- Autoimmune disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), and MMN (multifocal motor neuropathy)
- Neurological conditions such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis
- Certain infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems
Benefits of IVIG
Intravenous immune globulin can be life-changing for many patients. Some of its main benefits include:
- Helping your body fight infections if your immune system is too weak
- Reducing inflammation and immune attacks in autoimmune disorders
- Improving day-to-day symptoms and slowing the progression of certain diseases
At California Specialty Pharmacy, we offer IVIG therapy tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re being treated for a neurological, immunological, or rheumatological condition. We carry only trusted brands that our patients find comfortable and easy to tolerate.
Things to Consider
Like any treatment, IVIG isn’t without its challenges. Some patients may experience:
- Headaches or mild flu-like symptoms
- Nausea or fatigue after an infusion
- Longer treatment times—infusions can take a few hours
- Higher costs, depending on the brand and dose
But you’re not in this alone. Our team is here to walk you through every step—from coordinating your infusions to helping manage side effects—so you can focus on feeling better.
What Is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), is a procedure that helps remove harmful substances from your blood. It works by taking out the plasma—the liquid part of your blood—filtering it, and then replacing it with healthy donor plasma or a special fluid.
How Plasmapheresis Works
Your blood is gently circulated through a machine that separates out the plasma. Once the unwanted antibodies or toxins are removed, the cleaned blood is returned to your body. It’s a carefully controlled process that can provide fast relief for certain conditions.
Plasmapheresis is most often used when the immune system is attacking the body or when there are harmful substances in the blood that need to be quickly removed. It can help treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Autoimmune disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis
- Blood and kidney conditions like TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura), HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), and Goodpasture syndrome
- Severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Benefits of Plasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis can make a significant difference, especially in urgent or severe situations. Some of the key benefits include:
- Quick symptom relief by removing disease-causing substances from the blood
- Fewer long-term medications in some cases, especially for autoimmune conditions
- A targeted approach that can support your body’s healing without suppressing the entire immune system
Things to Consider
While plasmapheresis can be a powerful tool, it’s also not without its challenges. Some things to be aware of include:
- The need for specialized equipment and trained medical staff
- Multiple treatments may be needed to get the best results
- Possible side effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, or mild bleeding
Our team understands how overwhelming treatment can feel, so we’re here to make the experience as smooth, safe, and supportive as possible.
How Are They Different?
While IVIG therapy and plasmapheresis both help manage immune-related and neurologic disorders, they work in different ways. Understanding these differences can help you and your care team decide which treatment is right for you.
| Category | IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) | Plasmapheresis |
| How It Works | Adds helpful antibodies to support and regulate your immune system. | Filters your blood to remove harmful antibodies or immune proteins. |
| Best For | Long-term management of chronic immune or neurological conditions. | Acute situations that need fast results, like flare-ups or sudden symptom spikes. |
| Time to Feel Relief | Gradual—may take time to reduce symptoms as immune response adjusts. | Often fast—provides quick relief by directly removing problematic substances. |
| Side Effects | Headache, nausea, chills, or flu-like symptoms (usually mild and short-lived). | Low blood pressure, dizziness, or mild bleeding (managed closely by your care team). |
| Treatment Location | Often at an outpatient clinic or even at home. | Typically done in a hospital or infusion center. |
| Treatment Frequency | Given regularly (e.g., every 3–4 weeks) over the long term. | May require fewer sessions but is more intensive. |
| Cost and Coverage | Costs vary based on dose and duration; spread out over time. | Higher up-front cost due to the procedure; may need fewer treatments overall. |
| Support from CSP | We help you navigate insurance, understand your options, and make care more affordable. | Same here—our team works to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout. |
At California Specialty Pharmacy, we’ll help you understand your insurance coverage and explore options to make treatment more affordable.
IVIG vs. Plasmapheresis in Specific Conditions
The decision between IVIG and plasmapheresis often depends on the condition being treated, how severe it is, and how your body responds. Here’s how these two therapies are typically used in some common conditions:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Both IVIG and plasmapheresis may be effective options for treating Guillain-Barré syndrome. They can help reduce nerve inflammation, ease symptoms, and speed up recovery. The best choice often comes down to your specific symptoms, how quickly treatment is needed, and what’s available at your specialty infusion center.
Myasthenia Gravis
In urgent situations for severe myasthenia gravis—like a myasthenic crisis—plasmapheresis is often the preferred option because it works quickly to remove harmful antibodies. IVIG may be used when symptoms are more stable or for long-term care, especially if plasmapheresis isn’t well tolerated.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
These serious skin reactions may require both treatments depending on how your body responds. Plasmapheresis can help clear out toxins and antibodies from your blood, while IVIG supports the immune system and may help with healing.
Other Autoimmune Disorders
In conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), the choice between IVIG and plasmapheresis often depends on what’s worked for you in the past, your current symptoms, and your overall treatment plan. Sometimes, one treatment is used first, and if it’s not effective, the other may be considered.
Finding Peace in Your Treatment Journey
IVIG and plasmapheresis are both effective therapies used to treat a range of autoimmune and neurological conditions.
While they share a common goal—helping to calm an overactive immune system—they work in very different ways. One might be a better fit than the other depending on your condition, how quickly relief is needed, and how your body responds.
No two patients are exactly alike. That’s why we offer both IVIG and plasmapheresis at CSP and take the time to help you understand your options. Our experienced care team works closely with you and your healthcare provider to make sure you get the treatment that’s right for you, along with the ongoing support you deserve.
If you have questions about IVIG, plasmapheresis, or which option might be right for you, our team at California Specialty Pharmacy is here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our personalized infusion services and how we support you at every stage of your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Is plasmapheresis the same as IVIG?
No, they’re not the same, though both are used to treat autoimmune and neurological conditions. Plasmapheresis works by removing harmful substances, like antibodies, from your blood. IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) works differently: it adds healthy antibodies from donor plasma to help balance and calm your immune system.
What is the difference between Plex and IVIG?
PLEX is another name for plasmapheresis. The main difference lies in how the treatments work. PLEX removes problematic antibodies from your bloodstream, while IVIG adds healthy antibodies to support and regulate your immune system. Both can be effective, depending on your condition and treatment needs.
How much does plasmapheresis cost compared to IVIG?
In general, plasmapheresis may have lower ongoing costs than IVIG, but it really depends on several factors, like the number of sessions, your insurance coverage, and the specific brand of IVIG used. At California Specialty Pharmacy, our team helps you understand your options and works with your provider and insurer to make treatment as affordable and stress-free as possible.
What is the difference between plasmapheresis and plasma exchange therapy?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, plasma exchange is a type of plasmapheresis where the removed plasma is replaced with a substitute, like donor plasma or a special solution. Most of the time, though, when people say “plasmapheresis,” they’re referring to plasma exchange.
References:
- Zaki AH, Iftikhar H, Najam M, Fayed M, Shaban EE, et al. Plasma exchange (PE) versus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in patients with severe symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eNeurologicalSci. 2023 May 25;31:100468. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10242495/
- Ghimire A, Kunwar B, Aryal B, Gaire A, Bist A et al. Assessing the comparative efficacy of plasmapheresis and Intravenous immunoglobulin in myasthenia gravis treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eNeurologicalSci. 2024 Feb 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405650223000266
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