Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy

Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy Examples:

Between the different Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) administrations, patients have options of how and when to receive their immunoglobulin replacement therapy. There are different pharmaceutical companies that make several IgG products and there are several different options for administrating the SCIG at home. Between pharmaceutical companies,  pump companies and different methods of infusion, things can get confusing sometimes. Many of the manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies attend the bi-annual Immune Deficiency Foundation National Conference, and set up booths to promote their products directly to patients. It is a great opportunity to see and learn about the different options. Another good source is this page from IG Living with the various options for pumps and needles.

We will list here a few of the types of IG products and methods used by Hyper IgM patients and caregivers, but it is by no means an exhaustive list and we recommend consulting your doctor to determine which product and method is right for you. If you have something to add to this list, please email [email protected].

Examples: 

Our founders’ 3 year old son uses SCIG at home with an IG product called Hizentra produced by CSL Behring. He uses a Freedom60 infusion pump with three butterfly needles. The following are two clips of the set-up and administration of SCIg using this product and method. As mentioned, every family might do this a little differently, and, depending on the type of pump, or equipment, this might look a little different than what you have, but hopefully it gives you an idea of the general process involved.

Below is another example of a infusion on a 7 year old child with Hyper IgM. Submitted by another parent, the clip shows the mother setting up the Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) with Crono S-PID Infusion Pump: