A Patient Guide to IVIG Infusion Therapy

Comfort and Privacy

The Infusion Center is an open unit. The staff will make every effort to assure your comfort and privacy during your infusion. An exam room is available for private conversations. Cell phones are permitted; however, we do request that calls remain brief and that your phone ringer is set on low volume or no ring mode.

Driving

The pre-medications may cause drowsiness.  For your safety, you are encouraged to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your infusions treatments.
If you must drive, please notify your infusion nurse before your appointment so that your treatment plan can be adjusted appropriately.

Pre-Medications

Your physician has ordered specific "pre-medications" that you are to take prior to the start of your infusion. These medications are an important component in the success of your infusion therapy and will assist in reducing potential side effects from the IVIG.

The typical pre-medication regimen includes:
Tylenol Extra Strength 1000 mg
(2 x 500mg tablets) and
Bendadryl 50 mg (2 x 25mg tablets).

These medications should be taken one hour before you arrive for your infusion.
Bring your Tylenol and Benadryl (or any other pre-medications that you were directed to take) with you to the Infusion Center. Additional doses of these medications may be indicated during your IVIG treatment.

Medications

On your first visit to the Infusion Center you should bring a list of all medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over the counter products, that you are currently taking. This list should include:

• Dosages of medications
• Date medication was started
• Prescribing physician

Any routine medication normally taken during the day should be brought with you on every visit.  Inform your infusion nurse before taking any of these medications.

Do not skip or delay any of your scheduled medications during your infusion without first discussing this with your infusion nurse. 

Hydration

Despite the amount of fluid you will receive during your infusion your body may actually become dehydrated from the medication. Dehydration can lead to problems with constipation and could affect your kidney function.

It is important that you take an active role in assuring that your body is well hydrated.

Anatomy of a Peripheral Nerve

You may be asked to increase your fluid intake during your treatments.  If you have any pre-existing kidney or heart problems you should discuss hydration issues with your physician and infusion nurse.

Meals

Your infusion will take approximately four to six hours, depending on your individual dose.  You are encouraged to eat breakfast before your arrival.  You should bring drinks and a sack lunch or snacks to eat during your infusion. 

There is a coffee shop located in the medical plaza if you wish to purchase any meals.  Menus are available in the InfusionCenter, meals can be ordered by phone. Delivery to the Infusion Center is free. 

Infusion Center Message

The goal of our staff is to provide safe and effective IVIG infusions.  Our clinical team works in partnership with you and your physician to create an individualized plan of care specifically developed to maximize your infusion therapy.  Your infusion nurse, pharmacy technician, and medical assistant have been specially trained in the benefits and delivery of IVIG treatments for autoimmune diseases.  Educational material related to the use of IVIG for the treatment of your diagnosis is available upon request.

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