IVIG infusion

i’ve been gettting them for a year and no real side effects after 24 hours. simply exhausted then feel pretty good.i wish u well.

Two mm specialists have said if measurement is below 400, get an infusion to lessen exposure to infections. Mine continually drops from 6xx to 4xx or lower. I get an infusion every 3-4 months for about 2 yrs. A little extra fatique that day but nothing else. It is slow process- takes around 3 hrs.

I was diagnosed with CLL in March 2025 and have had two infusions since then (whenever labs show my immunoglobulin is less than 400, which is apparently the Medicare cutoff). No side effects at all. Just bring something to read----it takes about 4 hours, all told.

@annedallas Medicare cutoff is 600

Hi @minnesotajim, is this true even if your doctor uses 900-1100 as a cut off?

I have no idea. Different labs might different measurements.

I was puzzled at all this IgG score variability for immunoglobulin infusions and went to ChatGPT. Apparently Medicare doesn't have a straighforward cut off---it's pretty subjective. Some insurers are more absolutist, but mine (Mutual of Omaha) is still somewhat subjective based on severity of the disease and the frequency of infection. Ditto for providers. Interesting.

I drink a lot of water and take a Tylenol before the infusion to help prevent a headache.

Hi @moonray A belated welcome to Connect! I just noticed that you’ve been a member for several years but this is your first time dropping by with a comment. Thank you so much for sharing your little trick of Tylenol and water to help prevent headaches with your IVIG infusions.

If you don’t mind sharing a little more about yourself, I might be able to help connect you with other members with a similar diagnosis. What conditon has left you with a weakened immune system?

CLL, still in watch and wait almost 8 years