Immunoglobulin (IgG) treatment is usually given over the course of one to five days. Patients undergo one treatment session per day, which may last between two and eight hours depending on the dosage. Treatments may be given weekly, monthly or every few months, depending on the disorder and the patient’s condition. IgG remains in the body for 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the dosing and the patient.
Side effects are typically mild, but can become severe in rare cases. During treatment, patients may feel unwell, experience shivers, develop headaches or see a slight rise in blood pressure. Side effects usually become less frequent and milder with each additional treatment and a nurse closely monitors and addresses all side effects as needed during treatment.
It is not unusual for patients to feel like they have dramatically improved symptoms in just a short time. Many conditions, however, require many doses and months under guidance to see full benefits.
Patients should stay well-hydrated before an infusion and a doctor will most likely advise an increase in fluid intake before, during and after IgG treatment. A doctor may also prescribe additional medicines to take before treatment to counteract side effects.
