Immunoglobulin treatment

What is immunoglobulin?

Immunoglobulin is a liquid blood product containing antibodies.

Why am I receiving this treatment?

You are being given this treatment as the antibody levels in your blood are low. This makes you prone to infection.

What are the benefits of immunoglobulin?

There is strong clinical evidence to show that if you are not treated with immunoglobulin, your condition may become worse due to repeated infection and chronic chest complications.

What are the possible side-effects?

As with all medicines, there is a small chance of side effects, however immunoglobulin has a good safety record. Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate or severe.

Mild reactions usually happen within 30 minutes of starting the treatment. These include headaches, flushing, chills, back pain or muscular aches.

Severe allergic reactions are rare and usually happen within seconds or minutes of beginning the treatment. Symptoms may include an itchy skin rash, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty in breathing, dizziness or fainting.

How will I receive the immunoglobulin?

Your immunoglobulin can be given into a vein in your arm, over a 2 to 5 hour period. This is then repeated every 2 to 4 weeks.

Alternatively, the immunoglobulin can be given subcutaneously (under the skin) on a weekly basis. The specialist nurse will discuss the best option for you.

Your treatment will be given by specialist nurses.

Will I need any blood tests?

You will have regular blood tests, which we will arrange for you to have on the day you attend for your infusion.

The dosage and frequency of your treatment will be adjusted as needed following the blood test results.

Contact information

If you have any concerns, please contact your GP or the Specialist Nurse at the Edward Jenner Unit. Outside of normal working hours you should contact NHS 111 for advice.

The Edward Jenner Unit

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Tel: 0300 422 5213 or

Tel: 0300 422 5248

Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

NHS 111

Tel: 111