Immunoglobulin therapy at a glance.
Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy involves the use of antibodies extracted from donated blood plasma to support or regulate the immune system. These antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins naturally produced by the body to fight infections and maintain immune health. The therapy is administered via intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) infusion, depending on the patient’s needs and medical condition.
SCIG
Instead of less frequent, longer intravenous sessions, SCIG offers smaller, regular doses via an infusion pump under the skin. This method gives patients more flexibility and control over their treatment schedules, maintaining consistent antibody levels. SCIG therapy minimizes daily life disruptions, supporting patients while allowing them to manage their health journey.
IVIG
IVIG involves delivering immunoglobulin into the bloodstream through a vein. It’s crucial for patients with immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders to provide antibodies their bodies may lack. IVIG therapy is usually given in a healthcare setting under the supervision of trained professionals for efficacy and safety.
Why Do I Need It?
IG therapy is often prescribed for individuals whose immune systems are compromised or malfunctioning. You might need IG therapy if you:
- Have a primary immunodeficiency (PI), where your body doesn’t produce enough antibodies
- Suffer from autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks healthy tissues
- Are recovering from severe infections or certain conditions requiring immune support
Your doctor may recommend this therapy if your immune system needs help to either function more effectively or manage an overactive response.
What Does It Do?
IG therapy works by supplementing or modulating the immune system. Depending on your condition, the therapy can:
- Provide essential antibodies that your body lacks, improving your ability to fight infections
- Regulate immune system activity to prevent it from attacking your own tissues in autoimmune conditions
- Reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with certain immune-related disorders
Its role is to restore balance to your immune system, whether by boosting its defenses or calming excessive responses.
What’s It For?
IG therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Primary immunodeficiencies – Conditions like common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)
- Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and certain forms of neuropathy
- Chronic inflammatory diseases – Diseases like Kawasaki disease or multifocal motor neuropathy
- Infections – Recurrent or severe infections due to immune deficiencies
Your healthcare provider will assess your specific needs and health condition to determine if IG therapy is the right treatment for you.
About CSP's IG Center of Excellence.
Our dedicated IG Center of Excellence ensures a comprehensive, compassionate, and seamless approach to IV therapy, including:
- An easy referral process
- Complete intake and care coordination
- Ongoing support
- Drug support and dose optimization
- Therapy adherence
- We offer multiple therapy administration options and nursing coordination to get patients started as quickly as possible.
Delivering care where it's needed most.
Our expert team offers various therapy administration options and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Whether you choose IG therapy at your provider’s office, in the comfort of your home, or at one of our ambulatory infusion centers (AICs), we provide seamless and compassionate care.
Our highly skilled pharmacists and nurses will engage in one-on-one conversations with you before and after your infusion and can answer any questions you may have.
Start IG therapy with CSP today.
We help alleviate the stress of managing your care by coordinating the entire process with providers, allowing you to focus on returning to an empowering routine. Unsure what treatments your insurance covers? Our team is ready to explore your benefits. Questions about your medications? We’re here to provide the answers you need. Contact CSP for reduced stress, clear options, and peace of mind on your healthcare journey.
