IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) treatment typically lasts for approximately three to four hours, although this can vary depending on the patient and their particular condition. IVIG treatment begins with an infusion of immunoglobulin, which is given through a vein in the arm or leg. During the infusion, the patient may experience some side effects such as nausea, headache, and chills. The patient should be monitored for any signs of adverse reactions during this time.
After the initial infusion, the patient may require multiple IVIG treatments over the course of weeks, months, or even years, depending on the severity of their condition. The frequency of the treatments may range from once a week to once every three to six months. The length of time that the treatment lasts is determined by the patient’s response to the treatment and the need for ongoing treatment.
IVIG treatments can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including primary immunodeficiencies, inflammatory diseases, some autoimmune disorders, and some neurological conditions. When used to treat primary immunodeficiencies, IVIG can be used for the long-term maintenance of the patient’s immune system. For other conditions, IVIG treatments may be used to reduce the severity of symptoms or to slow the progression of the disease.
The amount of time that a patient needs to continue to receive IVIG treatments may vary. In some cases, the patient may need to continue the treatments for years, while in other cases, the treatments may need to be stopped after a period of time. Ultimately, the length of time that a patient needs to receive IVIG treatments will be determined by their doctor.