You are here: - 1. Erythematosus - 2. Advances - 3. Tests - 4.
Care - 5. Medications - 6. Psychosocial Aspects - 7. Patient
Info. - 8. Resources Publication Date: May 2001 Revised
September 2006 Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other
Health Professionals Patient Information Sheet #20, Intravenous
Immunoglobulins (IVIGs) Intravenous immunoglobulins or IVIGs are
proteins in the blood plasma that act as antibodies. The
immunoglobulins your doctor will give you are pooled from blood
donors who have been screened for blood-borne diseases. They
have also gone through a cleaning process to ensure they are not
contaminated. Immunoglobulins can be used to treat organ
involvement with lupus or vasculitis (inflammation of blood
vessels). IVIGs are always infused in an outpatient infusion
center, so you won’t have to fill a prescription at your local
pharmacy or remember to take the medication at home. But it is
important to understand what to expect from the procedure in
order to make the most of it and minimi