MS IVIG is made from human blood plasma. Stricter donor guidelines and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated cleansing (being treated with detergents and solvents that kill organisms) of the blood being processed has virtually eliminated the risk of cross-contamination of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. The final product is a freeze-dried powder that is infused after it is mixed with sterile water. It should be noted that multiple sclerosis IVIG for the specific treatment of MS has not yet been approved by the FDA. It has been approved for use with 6 specific conditions. It may be authorized by doctors, meaning insurance companies will cover the expense, if it is proven other methods (eg. Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Methotrexate, or steroids) have failed to achieve the desired results in treating MS patients.
MS IVIG is given every 3-4 weeks because that is the life-expectancy of the antibodies (immunoglobulin levels) in the blood. It is usually given over a two-day period each month. The first dosage should probably given under direct medical supervision to monitor for any possible side effects or allergic reactions. A small catheter is placed in the hand or arm and remains there until the second dose is completed, usually at home after the first dosage(s). The suggested dosage is based on clinical trials and usually amounts to 40-50 grams each. The infusion rate of multiple sclerosis IVIG must be carefully monitored as there are significant risks if given too fast. Also, having a history of congestive heart failure (CHF), kidney problems, diabetes, compromised blood circulation, allergic reactions, and other health problems will require more adjustments and monitoring of the dosages. The treatment will continue for about 6 months when the patient and the primary care doctor should meet to discuss the viability of continuing with the program.
How Multiple Sclerosis IVIG Helps Is Not Yet Totally Understood
As has been clearly identified, many of us believe the root cause of MS may lie in an “overactive immune system.” This causes a person’s otherwise protective antibodies to attack the fatty coatings on the nerves called myelin sheaths, recognizing them as foreign bodies. This ultimately results in the electrical signals sent along this system to slow or completely stop. MS IVIG is believed to help restore the balance of the immune system and inhibit the attacking cells from doing their damage. Some studies have even shown that there could be a potential for seeing this damage reversed (remyelination) by using this new technology.
Quite frankly, studies have shown conflicting results from using MS IVIG. Some have shown improvements like those listed above and others have shown no improvement in reversing the damage or to have slowed the progression of MS, or those that are showing more relapses of symptoms and lesser time between them. Other studies have shown marked improvement in the frequency of relapses, the growth of MRI lesions and slowing of the disease’s progression. At this time, obviously more research needs to be done with the conclusion that this is not a “first-line” treatment option.
