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General questions and discussion about multiple myeloma (i.e., symptoms, lab results, news, etc.) If unsure where to post, use this discussion area.

Re: Suppression of all 3 major immunoglobulins - how common?

by Ron Harvot on Sat Sep 19, 2015 7:59 pm

IVIG is basically synthesized Immunoglobulin from other peoples blood. So it is like a transfusion but only of the Immunoglobulin. It is very expensive and many insurance companies balk at giving it. I personally have had no noticeable side effects. When I was first given it, they used to give me a small infusion of Benadryl. So that indicates that some people have an allergic reaction. That has not been my experience.

Ron

Ron Harvot
Name: Ron Harvot
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
Age at diagnosis: 56

Re: Suppression of all 3 major immunoglobulins - how common?

by Ginny on Sun Sep 20, 2015 12:35 pm

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Yes, Nancy, I have had pneumonia vaccines – actually 3, one a year, since my stem cell trans­plant (SCT). A nurse told me that the problem is that the pneumonia vaccine addresses the most com­mon source of pneumonia (a form of strep), but pneumonia can be caused by many other types of bacteria, viruses, even fungi.

Recently I discontinued maintenance with Velcade, so it will be interesting to see if my immu­no­globulin levels rise.

Ginny
Name: Ginny
Who do you know with myeloma?: self and four friends
When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2012
Age at diagnosis: 62

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