What is IVIG therapy like?

rjc0704 · 06-05-2009, 05:12 PM

I have to do IVIG with my current cycle...
I can't find much on what the treatment is like. Is it just an injection or and IV? If IV, how long does it take? Are the side effects bad?

The AEB center has made arrangements with a company called Accredo but I don't see them in Connecticut. Any body have any ideas?? Appreciated!

poppan · 06-19-2009, 04:12 PM

It's an IV and takes 2-3 hours -- depends on how much you're getting and how fast they can do the drip into your veins. I did it at a center (Dr Beers Center in CA). Is Accredo one of those home services where they send an RN to your house and do it there? I have heard mixed reviews of the home infusion services -- which makes sense because it really would depend on the RN you get.

I never had any side effects but I might be in the minority. It was a good experience for me because I always got to talk to the other ladies there also doing their IVIGs -- it's so rare to meet IRL people struggling as much as you've been strugging with TTC, KWIM? I hardly even noticed the drip, I just sat in my comfy recliner and dished with the others.

anns · 06-25-2009, 09:40 AM

I had only one time, I was about 18w pg at the time, where I had the nausea, sweats, etc. and they just turned down the infusion rate. Otherwise, I'd feel about like I had the flu for a few days - headache, low grade fever, tired. In fact I was EXHAUSTED after treatments usually.

During treatments I was often quite cold, especially the hand with the IV in it, so I brought a wrap for myself, and draped it over the arm with the IV in it.

I brought magazines. I was usually one of only one or two people, and their recliner infusion areas were semi private, so we didn't chat, but it was nice to read and listen to music on my iPod.

chelsharmony · 10-09-2009, 11:52 AM

how did it go when you had it donerjc? i hope to have a treatment soon - i need to go in when/if BFP and start treatments this natural cycle and if no BFP then start it next cycle for another IVF round.
Im sure everyone is diff but wondering if i will need to take a few days off of work to re-coup after the treatment. I will be taking 20 grams so they said about 1.5 hours at the clinic.
My insurance goes thru Accredo - i have had issues with them processing take FOREVER! it can take them up to 48 hours to get the darn script in the computer but then they can overnight it to me. With these types of meds its not like we can wait around for them so i wish they would hurry up. We will need to pay out of pocket so i may go with another place to be honest. My clinic has a place they use and it is $4,900 for 40 grams so that would give me 2 treatments. Does that sound about right to you?
Thx for any help you can give!

06-05-2009, 05:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
rjc0704 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madison, CT Posts: 1,036	What is IVIG therapy like? I have to do IVIG with my current cycle... I can't find much on what the treatment is like. Is it just an injection or and IV? If IV, how long does it take? Are the side effects bad? The AEB center has made arrangements with a company called Accredo but I don't see them in Connecticut. Any body have any ideas?? Appreciated! __________________ Rhonda & DH ttc#1: 5 long years 3 natural preg - all m/c before 8wks 1 IVF - cancelled-poor response 11/06 On to Donor Cycles: 3 DE-IVF - BFN BFN BFN Immunity Issues, IR, hydrosalpinx tube 4 totcyles FET #1 Cycle now IN PROGRESS ET est. Dec 7th

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06-19-2009, 04:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
poppan 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,786	It's an IV and takes 2-3 hours -- depends on how much you're getting and how fast they can do the drip into your veins. I did it at a center (Dr Beers Center in CA). Is Accredo one of those home services where they send an RN to your house and do it there? I have heard mixed reviews of the home infusion services -- which makes sense because it really would depend on the RN you get. I never had any side effects but I might be in the minority. It was a good experience for me because I always got to talk to the other ladies there also doing their IVIGs -- it's so rare to meet IRL people struggling as much as you've been strugging with TTC, KWIM? I hardly even noticed the drip, I just sat in my comfy recliner and dished with the others.

06-25-2009, 09:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
anns 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 74	I had only one time, I was about 18w pg at the time, where I had the nausea, sweats, etc. and they just turned down the infusion rate. Otherwise, I'd feel about like I had the flu for a few days - headache, low grade fever, tired. In fact I was EXHAUSTED after treatments usually. During treatments I was often quite cold, especially the hand with the IV in it, so I brought a wrap for myself, and draped it over the arm with the IV in it. I brought magazines. I was usually one of only one or two people, and their recliner infusion areas were semi private, so we didn't chat, but it was nice to read and listen to music on my iPod.

10-09-2009, 11:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
chelsharmony 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12	how did it go when you had it donerjc? i hope to have a treatment soon - i need to go in when/if BFP and start treatments this natural cycle and if no BFP then start it next cycle for another IVF round. Im sure everyone is diff but wondering if i will need to take a few days off of work to re-coup after the treatment. I will be taking 20 grams so they said about 1.5 hours at the clinic. My insurance goes thru Accredo - i have had issues with them processing take FOREVER! it can take them up to 48 hours to get the darn script in the computer but then they can overnight it to me. With these types of meds its not like we can wait around for them so i wish they would hurry up. We will need to pay out of pocket so i may go with another place to be honest. My clinic has a place they use and it is $4,900 for 40 grams so that would give me 2 treatments. Does that sound about right to you? Thx for any help you can give!