Myths About IG Therapy: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is a standard treatment for immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain rheumatologic conditions. However, various myths and misconceptions surround its use.

For example, you may have heard that you can stop IG therapy if you feel better or that IG therapy is the only cure for your condition. 

Patients with limited knowledge about immunoglobulin (IG) therapy — such as its mechanism, the importance of ongoing treatment, and variations in care among providers — are more susceptible to believing myths and misconceptions.

In this article, we will debunk eight common misconceptions about IG therapy so that you can make more informed decisions about your health.

Eight Common Misconceptions About IG Therapy

Myth 1: You Can Discontinue IG Therapy When You Feel Better

One of the most common misconceptions among patients is that they can discontinue IG therapy once they feel better and healthy. This is not true. 

In reality, feeling better or noticing improvements in symptoms after receiving IG infusions indicates that therapy is working well for patients. It does not imply that the underlying condition has been cured and that the patient no longer needs therapy. 

For example, a patient with primary immune deficiency (PI) disorder, who has a weaker immune system as their body does not produce essential antibodies, requires regular IG infusions to restore their immune function to a normal level so it can fight infections.

IG therapy can become a life-long treatment for these patients, and early discontinuation can leave their body more vulnerable to severe, recurrent, life-threatening infections. 

Myth 2: IG Therapy is Expensive and Unaffordable

IG therapy can be expensive for some patients who need it for the long term. This makes many patients discontinue IG therapy without realizing its long-term benefits to their health.

In reality, insurance and financial assistance programs often cover IG therapy expenses for patients with qualifying conditions. Moreover, patients can also switch to home-based IG therapy, which not only reduces hospital costs but also minimizes the frequency of serious infections and improves patients’ overall health. In short, the long-term benefits of IG therapy far outweigh the costs.

Therefore, it is recommended that the patient always consult with the healthcare provider and insurance company to explore coverage options and financial support programs before discontinuing therapy. 

Myth 3: All Healthcare Providers Are the Same and Offer the Same Quality of Care

Many patients believe that all healthcare providers are the same and provide the same quality of care. But this is not the case. 

Variations exist in the level of expertise, administration techniques, monitoring, and support services among providers. For example, some healthcare providers specializing in certain autoimmune disorders have in-depth knowledge about managing IG therapy and its associated side effects and offer more personalized care plans to patients.

On the other hand, general healthcare providers don’t have that much expertise in certain conditions and may not provide the same quality of care. Therefore, you should research and choose healthcare providers that align with your specific needs. 

For instance, you should look at whether a healthcare provider has:

• Specialization in managing your condition or disease
• Expertise in IG therapy and administration
• A strong reputation for patient care
• Experienced medical staff
• Robust support services and monitoring

Myth 4: Long-Term IG Patients Don’t Need Monitoring If They Have No History of Adverse Reactions

This is a myth. Even long-term IG patients who have not experienced any adverse reaction during the course of their treatment still need monitoring to some degree by a healthcare professional or experienced nurse during infusions. 

Patients may experience hypersensitivity or other unexpected reactions even after tolerating IG therapy well. This could happen due to several reasons, such as changes in infusion rates, batch-to-batch variability of IG products, or even underlying health conditions that can impact how a patient responds to IG. 

Therefore, it is recommended that you receive IG infusions under the supervision of a competent healthcare clinician or trained nurses. 

Myth 5: IG Products are Interchangeable

IG products are NOT interchangeable. Though all products contain similar amounts of IgG antibodies, they differ in composition. For instance, the concentration of IgA and IgM, stabilizers, additives, sodium content, osmolarity, and levels of impurities may vary among different brands of IG products. 

Because of the difference in every IG product composition, IG products cannot be mixed or used interchangeably. In some cases, patients switch from one IG product brand to another. However, this only happens after the approval of the healthcare provider. 

Myth 6: IG Therapy is a Cure for Immune Deficiencies and Disorders

IG therapy is not a cure but a treatment for immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. Its purpose is to manage these immune conditions. 

For example, in patients who lack essential antibodies, IG therapy supplements the patient’s body with deficient antibodies to maintain their immune function and prevent infections. On the other hand, in patients with autoimmune disorders, IG therapy helps manage the disease symptoms and prevents flare-ups. 

In short, both immune deficiency and autoimmune disorder patients require regular IG treatment since it does not address the root cause. 

Myth 7: You Don’t Need a Follow-Up with the Doctor if You’re on Home IG Therapy

This is not true. Patients receiving IG therapy in the comfort of their homes should follow up with their doctors routinely. Appointments with healthcare providers can help them track progress or improvements in a patient’s condition and schedule the next doses accordingly. 

In addition to this, the patient can also discuss their concerns or side effects with the healthcare provider during a follow-up.  

Myth 8: IG Therapy Becomes Ineffective Over Time

Many people believe that IG therapy becomes ineffective over time as the body builds tolerance against it. In reality, this is not true. 

IG therapy remains effective as long as it is needed. However, individual responses may vary, and dosage or administration method adjustments may be required over time based on clinical evaluations.

Conclusion

Understanding the realities of IG therapy is crucial for patients relying on this life-saving treatment. By debunking common myths and misconceptions, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the best possible care.