All medications
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
IVIG
Brand names: Intravenous immune globulin (Gammagard, Privigen, Octagam and others)
Antibodies collected from thousands of healthy donors, given by infusion to rebalance the immune system.
Video lesson
What it’s used for
Dermatomyositis, resistant myositis, some vasculitis and neurologic autoimmune conditions.
How it works
Donor antibodies block harmful autoantibodies, calm immune cells and soak up inflammatory signals.
How it’s taken
IV infusions over a few hours, usually every 4 weeks.
Side effects
Headache, flushing, fatigue and fever during or after infusion. Rarely, blood clots, kidney strain or meningitis-like headache.
Monitoring
Kidney function and blood counts. Staying well hydrated helps prevent headache.
Good to know
IVIG does not suppress immunity, so it can be useful when infection risk is a concern.
At a glance
Class
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Brand names
Intravenous immune globulin (Gammagard, Privigen, Octagam and others)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.