Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a medication often used to boost the body's immune system and make it better able to fight disease. It is made from donated blood fluids.
At least one small study has shown that IVIG treatment may improve function in some people with relapses in relapsing-remitting MS.1 It does not seem to help slow the progression of MS.2
However, IVIG is extremely expensive, not widely available, and not considered practical for long-term treatment of MS. It sometimes may be used to treat a severe relapse if you either cannot take or do not respond to corticosteroids.
The safety of IVIG during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known. Talk to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, if you are pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
References
Citations
Nicholas R, Chataway J (2006). Multiple sclerosis, search date January 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Goodin DS, et al. (2002). Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: Report of the therapeutics and technology assessment subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Neurology, 58(2): 169–178.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology |
| Last Updated | February 28, 2008 |
