Tag: Intravenous immunoglobulin

While generally considered safe, fewer than 5% of people who receive Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) experience moderate to severe side effects [1.2.1]. The question of whether *Is IVIG a high risk medication?* is complex, balancing its life-saving benefits against potential adverse reactions.

For patients with primary immunodeficiency, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is typically a lifelong and life-saving necessity. However, whether or not you have to take IVIG forever depends on the specific condition being treated, with some autoimmune diseases allowing for eventual tapering or discontinuation.

For some conditions, IVIG has a reported success rate of 60-80%. But for many patients, the question remains: how can you tell if IVIG is working? Monitoring IVIG effectiveness requires a combination of patient self-assessment and clinical evaluation, as improvement is often gradual and can vary significantly depending on the underlying condition.

In a 2007 review of 20 randomized trials, researchers reported that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) reduced overall mortality by 26% in critically ill adults with sepsis. This provides clear evidence that for certain life-threatening conditions, the answer to the question, **is IVIg life saving?** is a definitive yes.

Studies have shown that premedication can significantly reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to IVIG infusions. So, what medication is given before IVIG to improve safety and tolerability for patients undergoing this critical therapy?

While often considered well-tolerated, a significant portion of patients on long-term IVIG therapy may experience at least one adverse event, with some sources reporting up to 50%. Understanding what are the negatives of IVIG is crucial for managing expectations and mitigating risks effectively during treatment.