patient speaking to doctor

IG Therapy

Manage your IG therapy
with the Accredo Home Care Team

How IG therapy is administered

The IG product is a liquid that is pumped slowly into the body through a small tube. This process is called “infusion.” Sometimes, an infusion is done by a trained Accredo nurse. In other cases, you might be able to do it yourself. Talk with your doctor about the option that’s best for you. There are two ways you can have an infusion: Intravenous (IV) and Subcutaneous (SC).

Type of infusion

 Frequency How it's administered

Intravenous (IV)

(intra = “inside of” and venous = “a vein”)

You might have treatments monthly or only when you need it. This depends on your health status and on the type of condition you have.

 A thin needle attached to tubing is inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. IG enters your bloodstream through this tube. This process can take between one and four hours. It is given by a trained Accredo nurse who stays with you throughout your treatment session.

Subcutaneous (SC)

(sub = “under” and cutaneous = “the skin”)

 Your doctor will advise you about how often you’ll need treatment. A thin needle attached to tubing is inserted into the fatty layer of skin in your abdomen, thigh, back, or upper arm. A small pump device slowly pushes the IG solution through the tube and into your body. This process usually takes one to two hours. It is given by a trained Accredo nurse or you can do it yourself:
  • Accredo provides a step-by-step guide to the self-treatment process.
  • Accredo nurses help you with this process, until you feel ready to do it on your own
  • A nurse calls you within 72 hours of your treatment to check on your health and on your treatment process.

Do you currently perform your own Subcutaneous (SC) IG therapy?

Accredo provides a step-by-step guide to help you. An Accredo nurse helps you with the process until you feel you can do it on your own, and our nurses are available by phone 24/7 in case you need help. A nurse or pharmacist will phone you within 3 days after your treatment to find out if you are having any side effects or other problems due to the IG treatment.

Infusion therapy at home. You decide.

Home treatment

 Office or clinic treatment
  • Given in the comfort of your home
  • Allows you to fit the treatment into your schedule – including weekends
  • Can help you save money
  • Nurse remains with you, and focused on you, throughout your treatment session
  • We can train some patients to provide their own care at home
  • Reduces your exposure to infections that can occur at health clinics and hospitals
  • Convenient: our nurse comes to you
  • Most likely less private and requires transport
  • You must fit the treatment into the clinic’s schedule
  • Most likely includes extra fees for office visits and equipment
  • Nursing care may have to cover several patients at the same time
  • Can present an increased risk for infection

Talk with your doctor about the treatments that best meet your needs.

We know you have choices about who provides your infusion care and where you receive that care. We invite you to explore IG therapy with the Accredo Home Care Team.

For a free review of your treatment options, call 866-522-8777.