IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin)

CSL Behring AG, Biotest AG, Octapharma AG

Human plasma protein containing at least 98 per cent immunoglobulin IgG

Off-label use for:

-SJS (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

-TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis)

-Systemic lupus erythematosus

-Pemphigus vulgaris

-Pemphigus foliaceus

-Bullous pemphigoid

-Pemphigoid gestationis

-Scarring pemphigoid

-Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA)

-Linear IgA dermatosis

-Dermatomyositis

-Scleromyxedema

-Kawasaki syndrome

No dermatological conditions on the list of specialities.

Differential blood count, liver and kidney function tests, pregnancy test, screening for HBV, HCV, HIV and TB (optional: including chest X-ray).

Choose according to the clinical situation.

Choose according to the clinical situation.

Depending on the indication, between 0.4 and 2.0 g/kg body weight per day, divided over 2–5 days. SJS/TEN: IVIG 1 g/kg body weight per day for 3 days.
Privigen should be administered at an initial infusion rate of 0.3 mL/kg body weight per hour (over approximately 30 minutes). Vital signs should be monitored at 15, 30 and 120 minutes.
If tolerated well, the infusion rate may be gradually increased to 4.8 mL/kg body weight per hour.

Days to weeks

SJS/TEN for 3 days. Dermatomyositis: Initial duration of treatment: 6 months. Treatment cycles: every 4 weeks
Discontinuation of treatment: If treatment is unsuccessful after 6 cycles.

Autoimmune bullous dermatoses, Kawasaki syndrome, scleromyxedema: Average duration of treatment: 3 to 6 months.
Treatment cycles: every 4 weeks; every 6 weeks if the condition responds well. Discontinuation of treatment: If treatment is unsuccessful after 6 cycles.

784 (10 g/100 mL)

In cases of acute renal impairment or haemolysis.

If treatment is unsuccessful after 20 weeks, adjust the treatment.

IVIg products may contain antibodies against blood group antigens.

Type I or II hyperprolinemia, pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infections (sepsis, tuberculosis, severe opportunistic infections), hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulins and/or any of the ingredients.

Dizziness, headaches (39 per cent), upper respiratory tract infections, tinea infection, nausea, diarrhoea, elevated liver enzymes, oropharyngeal pain, haemolytic anaemia, aseptic meningitis syndrome, thromboembolic events, renal dysfunction, transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI), disseminated intravascular coagulation with consumption coagulopathy.

IVIG can affect the efficacy of live vaccines for a period of 6 weeks to 3 months

Active TB is a contraindication

No increased risk