When you get IVIG, intravenous immunoglobulin is a treatment made from pooled antibodies from thousands of donors, used to boost immunity or calm overactive immune responses. Also known as intravenous immune globulin, it helps people with immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections. But like any medical treatment, it doesn’t come without risks. Many patients get IVIG without issue, but others experience side effects — some mild, others serious enough to require medical attention.
Common IVIG side effects include headaches, fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue. These usually show up during or right after the infusion and often fade within a day. If you’ve had IVIG before and felt this way, your provider might slow down the drip rate or give you extra fluids or acetaminophen ahead of time. More serious reactions — like sudden drops in blood pressure, trouble breathing, or kidney problems — are rare but real. People with kidney disease, diabetes, or who are dehydrated are at higher risk. That’s why your doctor checks your labs before each treatment and monitors you closely during the infusion.
Some people worry about getting infections from IVIG, but modern manufacturing filters out viruses like HIV and hepatitis. Still, allergic reactions can happen, especially if you’re IgA deficient. If you’ve ever had a severe reaction to blood products, tell your care team. Long-term use can lead to thickened blood or clotting issues, especially if you’re sedentary or have heart disease. That’s why staying active and hydrated matters — not just during treatment, but in the days after.
What you won’t always hear is how IVIG interacts with other meds. If you’re on diuretics, NSAIDs, or certain antibiotics, your risk for kidney stress goes up. Some vaccines also don’t work well if given too close to IVIG, because the antibodies in the treatment can block them. Always give your pharmacist and doctor a full list of everything you take — even supplements.
Below, you’ll find real patient experiences and clinical insights on managing IVIG side effects. From how to prep for your infusion to what symptoms mean you need to call your doctor, these posts give you the practical details you won’t get in a brochure. Whether you’re new to IVIG or have been on it for years, there’s something here that can help you stay safer and feel more in control.
IVIG therapy uses pooled antibodies from healthy donors to calm overactive immune systems in autoimmune disorders. It works fast, is safer than many drugs, and helps patients with conditions like CIDP, ITP, and Kawasaki disease regain function and quality of life.
