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Tips for Dealing With IVIG Headaches

Patient with headache

Do you experience headaches during or after IVIG Infusions? If so, you are not alone. IVIG infusions can cause very painful and long-lasting headaches in some individuals.

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Frequently, an immediate reaction to IVIG is observed. Headache, nausea, myalgia, fever, and chills are the most common adverse reactions, and they often occur immediately, during, or after the infusion. The severity of delayed events such as migraine headaches and aseptic meningitis may increase over time. Patients who have or recently had a bacterial infection or underlying chronic inflammation are more likely to experience these adverse reactions. 

According to a survey by the Immune Deficiency Foundation, 34% of reactions occurred during the initial IVIG infusion and decreased with subsequent infusions. Although rare, severe events can include hemolysis, renal impairment, and thrombotic events. Among the most common adverse effects up to 24 hours after an infusion are headaches, which can occur for a variety of reasons. 

In this article, we will provide advice on how to prevent or alleviate headaches caused by IVIG, based on actual patient experiences.

Hydration Before and After IVIG

Hydration is crucial when undergoing IVIG therapy. Beginning the day before and continuing through the day after an IVIG infusion, drink water throughout the day. 

Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group’s Vicky Starr suggests alternating water and a caffeinated beverage, such as green tea, if you can tolerate caffeine. It is essential to continue drinking water and your caffeinated beverage on the day of your infusion and the day after. 

IV Fluid Addition

The addition of intravenous (IV) fluids on the day of your infusion is another method for obtaining additional hydration. Some patients receive a bag of fluids prior to the infusion, others at the conclusion, and still others both before and after the infusion. 

Premedications

Before an infusion, Benadryl is frequently administered as a premedication by the infusion nurse or taken by the patient at home. However, Benadryl, which is an antihistamine available without a prescription, is not effective for everyone.

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If you continue to experience headaches, discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching from Benadryl to cyproheptadine (also known as Periactin). Cyproheptadine is a serotonin receptor antagonist and antihistamine that is particularly effective for plasma and blood reactions.

Pretreatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (15 mg/kg/dose), and a nonsedating antihistamine (such as Cetirizine 10 mg) one hour prior to the infusion may help prevent adverse reactions. Hydrocortisone (6 mg/kg/dose, with a maximum of 100 mg) may also be considered.

Switching to a 5% IVIG preparation is frequently highly effective if the symptoms reappear. Caution is advised when switching IVIG products because 15% to 18% of patients experience serious adverse reactions during the process.

The majority of physicians favor subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) over IVIG for most patients and may encourage making a transition. Transitioning to SCIG reduces the risk and severity of common and more serious side effects. Therefore, transitioning to SCIG is an option for IVIG patients who experience severe headaches.

REFERENCES:

  1. Tcheurekdjian H, Martin J, Kobayashi R, Wasserman R, Hostoffer R. Intrainfusion and postinfusion adverse events related to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in immunodeficiency states. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):532-6. doi: 10.2500/aap.2006.27.2917. PMID: 17176791.
  2. Yong PL, Boyle J, Ballow M, Boyle M, Berger M, Bleesing J, Bonilla FA, Chinen J, Cunninghamm-Rundles C, Fuleihan R, Nelson L, Wasserman RL, Williams KC, Orange JS. Use of intravenous immunoglobulin and adjunctive therapies in the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies: A working group report of and study by the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Clin Immunol. 2010 May;135(2):255-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2009.10.003. Epub 2009 Nov 14. PMID: 19914873.
  3. Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M. Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017 Mar;139(3S):S1-S46. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023. Epub 2016 Dec 29. PMID: 28041678.
  4. Ameratunga R, Sinclair J, Kolbe J. Increased risk of adverse events when changing intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Clin Exp Immunol. 2004 Apr;136(1):111-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2004.02412.x. PMID: 15030521; PMCID: PMC1809000.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care. This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY Sameh Habib, RPh

Sameh Habib, RPh was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt. He received his degree from Alexandria University, and completed his pharmacy residency in the United States. He has been a practicing pharmacist for 10 years. The most rewarding part of his job is helping others, including both patients and co-workers. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at the beach and hiking.

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