IVIG brands

[JAG10]

Hi Friends

 

I thought I remembered reading that switching from one brand of IVIG to another brand increased risk of a bad reaction....is that right? If so, does it matter how far apart the two different brand infusions occur?

 

Has anyone's child switched brands and did anything happen?

 

Thanks!

Jill

[PhillyPA]

We always go to Georgetown for IVIG. I don't even know what brand they use or if they change brands. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if they mixed up the brands. Maybe a mix would be better? Who knows...

[philamom]

Hi Jill-

We had first IVIG with Dr. K (Gammanux-sp?) and next three with Dr. B (Gammagard) with no reaction from switching brands. But there was a 10 month span between 1st and 2nd. Good Luck!

Melinda

[melanie]

Hi we have also switched 4x because of insurance and recalls.

 

We had 1 in hospital (dont know the brand)

home with Privigin (didnt like)

Optigam (long infussion reclled and taken off market)

now we do gammaguard (best so far)

 

Melanie

[melanie]

This is a good site

 

http://www.cidpusa.org/ivig.html

[JAG10]

I'm bad with the quote function on the forum but below is a post from Nevergiveup whose father is an immunologist and this is what I remember reading:

 

Let's see. Maybe its becuz my doc runs a lot of studies for gammagard, Soooo can't say its becuz of anything other than experience. I do know that gammagard tries to make donor pools exteremely large therby eliminating differences in lots ensuring type of antibodies are truly very diverse. I believe they pool over 10000 donors in each pool. Also I think docs look at recalls to deterimine safety record. I have been told that pretty much they are all good. I know switching products can be risky, can have anaphylactic reaction with new product. I know our homecare will not do first product infusions at home. Plus if Danny is sensitized by switching products, he may acquire an allergic reaction to all ivig products, so switch carefully, and if he has experience with any other product I would stick with that. Some say Gammunez having no sugar is best for kidneys, mostly a concern for adults and especially seniors.

 

This is me again; so switching products can cause an allergic reaction? Anyone have any idea why? The above post is from oct. 10, 2010.

[nevergiveup]

Percent Iga content can be different with each brand. Can cause reaction. If you need to switch then you need to, but most docs feel if it ain't broke don't fix it, switching brands means you may be at risk of having an allergic reaction again. (Just like a first time infusion).

[JAG10]

Percent Iga content can be different with each brand. Can cause reaction. If you need to switch then you need to, but most docs feel if it ain't broke don't fix it, switching brands means you may be at risk of having an allergic reaction again. (Just like a first time infusion).

 

Thanks NGU, I'll mention it to the nurses and see if it's an option. I knew I remembered something along these lines and you would know!!!!

 

How are things going for you guys? Can you update? Have you tested IgG lately and is it in upper normal range?

I've been wondering about you and where you've been!

Jill

[nevergiveup]

Yes, dd's igg levels are now pretty high, definatey over 2000, but still not sure if she iS maintaining a high enough level for entire time before next infusion. Will be testing igg trough levels in Feb. She just increased her dose again, and I can say that with the hydrocortisone (40 mg)she gets iv before the infusion, her side effects from ivig have been minimized. She also now seems to look forward to her infusions, since no more head and neck aches. She had used prednisone in the past which didn't work like the hydrocortisone. Could not recommend enough for all getting ivig. My dd has had ivig for over a year now, and last two infusions she received the hydrocortisone and it has so helped with fatigue, mood, neck ache, she fEels great. Also recently switched from high dose zith(500 mg per day) to augmentin. Change has really helped with her diahrrea, and stomach stuff.