Your Doctor may recommend a trial of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (antibody replacement) for you. We will discuss this with you and give you opportunity to ask any questions you may have before making any decisions on treatment.
For patients that decide to start a trial of immunoglobulin replacement therapy we aim to provide training to them so they can give the immunoglobulin to themselves. In some cases, we recognise this is not practical or possible. We will discuss the best way to give the treatment with you and change how this is done to fit your needs.
The training time is very different from person to person. This training will be carried out in our day case unit. If the infusion is to be given sub-cutaneous (in the fatty layer just under the skin) a standard training course will involve weekly sessions for approximately 2 to 6 weeks and last 30-90 minutes each time. If the infusions are to be given intravenously (into the vein) the sessions will be every 3 weeks for several months and last around 3-4 hours.
We have a home care company who will deliver the medication and all the equipment you need on a regular basis and we have a team of community nurses for those who are not suitable to self-treat with the immunoglobulin.
You will need to make yourself available for a yearly technique review in order to continue self-treating with immunoglobulin.