Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

IVIG is made up of antibodies from a large group of people. It can be helpful for severe muscle diseases (dermatomyositis and polymyositis), lupus (particularly for low blood counts) and some types of vasculitis.

The typical dose of IVIG is from 400 mg/kg to 2 grams/kg, divided over two days.

• Side effects occur in fewer than 5 percent of patients. These include headache, chills, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, joint aches, backaches and increased blood pressure.
• Kidney problems are rare and usually reversible.
• Aseptic meningitis, a noninfectious meningitis, can develop, but usually resolves on its own.
• Transmission of a blood-borne agent (HIV, hepatitis) is extremely rare.
• Anaphylactic reaction can occur if you have a rare deficiency of IgA, a normally present class of antibodies.

In myositis, significant increases in muscle strength are expected within weeks. In lupus, improvement in low blood counts and other disease factors are desired.

Usually, your IgA antibody level will be checked before giving IVIG to make sure you do not have a rare deficiency, which could increase the likelihood of a reaction.

Infusions are given in our infusion services (Park Nicollet Clinic—St. Louis Park, 3800 Building, second floor) by nurses familiar with its use.