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4. Why is IVIG so expensive?
IVIg is obtained from plasma, donors are paid then the
plasma is sent to a processing centers for mixing, antibody
removal, chemical treatment and filtration to remove viruses. This
is followed by the products to be freeze dried. All this ends
up for IVIG to be priced at $ 48 to $ 68 a gram. A single IVIg
infusion costs about $3000 for a child and 10,000 for an adult. For
a child the cost of IVIg is low because only a few grams are used. The price of IVIg
in India is $25 a gram. In Pakistan IVIg costs 20 a gram. IVIg can
be bought from China at 45-10 A Gram.
5. How is IVIG
administered?
IVIG is mixed in a bag and a tube runs from it to a
vein usually in the arm. The recommended way to infuse IVIg includes
a pump. Usually IVIg is given at a rate of 100 cc/ hour to 200 cc/ hour.
The rate is of IVIg is reduced for any problems
such as headaches, rash, fatigue, hypertension or hypotension.
For an adult's infusion of IVIg is usually given over 5 to 6 hours. Dr Engle at USC recommends a
rate of 100cc/hr of a 7.5% solution.
6. What are the
common side effects OF IVIG?
Some times patients get a headache after IVIg which is more
common in females with a history of Migraines or SLE. Patients may
experience fatigue similar to getting a Flu, which is due to
antibodies interaction. Some patients get a rash after IVIg and it is
recommended they take Benadryl or even steroids to avoid this.
Remember their are a lot of antibodies in IVIg and some may result in odd
reactions. After IVIg if odd symptoms are seen then use of steroids
usually helps. Some people experience changes in blood pressure and
others may have a severe headache called aseptic meningitis.
7. How can one reduce
the side effects of IVIG?
Remember to drink 7 glasses of water a day
for hydration before starting the IVIG treatment and continuing this a
month after the last IVIg infusion. Remember to take a baby aspirin
to prevent thrombophelebitis after IVIg. Check with their
doctors if they can use aspirin and should not take this if
they are on coumadine or have bleeding disorders. Do not use asprin if you have
stomach ulcers. Physicians may use low dose prednisone will reduce side effects like
headaches. Some use Benadryl to reduce a rash.
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