Multiple Sclerosis: Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
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Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a medicine often used to boost
the body's
immune system and make it better able to fight
disease. It is made from donated blood fluids.
Treatment with IVIG may improve
function and lengthen the time before a relapse in people who have relapsing-remitting MS.footnote 1 It does not seem to help slow the progression of MS.footnote 2
IVIG can also lengthen the time before a second attack in people who take it after the first attack.footnote 1
But IVIG is extremely expensive, not widely available, and not
considered practical for long-term treatment of MS. It sometimes may be used to
treat a severe
relapse if you either cannot take or do not respond to
corticosteroids.
The safety of IVIG during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not known.
Talk to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, if you are pregnant, or if
you are breastfeeding.
References
Citations
- Nicholas R, Chataway J (2009). Multiple sclerosis, search date June 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- Goodin DS, et al. (2002, reaffirmed 2008). Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: Report of the therapeutics and technology assessment subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Neurology, 58(2): 169-178.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKarin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
Current as ofOctober 14, 2016
Current as of:
October 14, 2016
Nicholas R, Chataway J (2009). Multiple sclerosis, search date June 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Goodin DS, et al. (2002, reaffirmed 2008). Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: Report of the therapeutics and technology assessment subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Neurology, 58(2): 169-178.