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IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) for Myositis
Common brands in India: Immunorel®, Globucel®, IVIGAM®, Octagam®, Privigen®, Kiovig®, Flebogamma®
How taken
IV infusion every 3–4 weeks in hospital
Time to work
Often 3–6 weeks, after the first one or two cycles
Cost rating
💵💵💵💵 (4/5)
How does IVIG work?
Our immune system acts like the body's defence army. In myositis, parts of this immune army become overactive and produce harmful antibodies and inflammatory signals that attack healthy muscle tissue.
IVIG is made from purified antibodies collected from thousands of healthy blood donors. These antibodies help distract, calm, and rebalance the immune system.
In simple terms, IVIG overwhelms harmful antibodies so they cannot attack the muscles, neutralises inflammatory chemicals already causing muscle damage, “distracts” overactive immune cells, and helps reset the immune system without strongly suppressing it.
Because it provides a large number of protective antibodies, it can also help protect against infections. The goal is to wash out the bad signals by giving extra good ones.
Uses
- Myositis
- Certain nerve disorders
- Kawasaki disease
- Immune deficiency disorders
- Several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Why is IVIG important in myositis?
IVIG is often used when:
- Disease is severe at presentation
- Muscle weakness is significant
- Skin disease is difficult to control
- Faster disease control is needed
- Other medicines alone are not working well enough
How is IVIG given?
IVIG is usually given every 3 to 4 weeks as an intravenous (IV) infusion through a vein, usually in a hospital or infusion clinic.
Depending on the dose, the infusion may take several hours and may occasionally be spread over more than one day.
Different brands contain the same active ingredient but may vary in concentration, infusion rates, stabilisers, and availability. Your doctor will choose the most suitable preparation for you.
Why is hydration important?
Your doctor may advise drinking plenty of fluids before and after your infusion. IVIG is a concentrated protein solution, and good hydration may help reduce headache, fatigue, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.
Common side effects
Many people tolerate IVIG well, especially if given slowly. Common side effects include headache during or after the drip, mild chills or shivering, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
Your doctor may give medicines like paracetamol or anti-allergic tablets before the drip starts to help prevent these issues. There are no long-term side effects described in this guide.
Why are blood tests necessary?
IVIG can occasionally affect kidney function and blood thickness. Monitoring may include kidney function tests and complete blood count.
Missed dose
Try to stick closely to your infusion schedule, as the effect wears off after 3–4 weeks. If you miss a cycle, reschedule as soon as possible.
During or shortly after infusion
If you develop a severe headache that will not go away, chest pain, or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare team immediately. The IVIG infusion will be postponed.
Vaccines and pregnancy
Avoid live attenuated vaccines such as MMR and varicella for about 9 months after an IVIG infusion, especially in children. IVIG may hamper the vaccine response. Inactivated vaccines can be given any time before, during, or after IVIG.
Because IVIG is derived from human blood donors, it is highly purified and screened for safety.
IVIG is generally considered very safe during pregnancy, but always discuss your plans with your doctor.