IG Therapy

IG is used to treat three main types of immune system problems. Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against infection.

Primary immune deficiencies

Occur when the immune system lacks certain features that help it function. This weakens the immune system and makes those who are born with this problem more likely to get infections. The main form is called common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This causes low levels of most types of antibodies. IG treatment helps strengthen your immune system, so it can protect your body from infection over the short term. Find out more here.

Secondary immune deficiencies

These secondary immune deficiencies result from diseases (such as cancer) or from disease treatments (such as radiation or drugs that suppress the immune system). IG treatment helps keep your immune system strong when you’re having these forms of treatment.

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues or organs. Some of the autoimmune diseases types treated with IG include:

• Autoimmune neuromuscular disorders these arise when the body’s immune system attacks nerve or muscle tissues. They include a range of conditions. Find out more here.
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) this occurs when antibodies attack the protective sheath around nerve fibers. It causes weakness, numbness, and pain in your arms and legs that can worsen over time. Find out more here.
• Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) this occurs mainly in men and can worsen over time. It involves muscle weakness, cramping, twitching, and spasms in your arms. Find out more here.
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) this occurs when antibodies attack platelets (the blood cells that help your blood to clot). Because it prevents blood from clotting, it can lead to bleeding problems. Find out more here.