Managing patients with side effects and adverse events to immunoglobulin therapy

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2016;9(1):91-102. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1105131. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin therapy has not only served as a lifesaving approach for the prevention and treatment of infections in primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases, but has also been used as an immunomodulatory agent for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and to provide passive immunity for some infectious diseases. Most of the adverse effects associated with immunoglobulin therapy are mild, transient and self-limiting. However, serious side effects also occur. Therefore, to minimize the adverse events of immunoglobulin therapy, specialist review of patient clinical status and immunoglobulin products, in addition to selection of appropriate treatment strategy for the management of patients with associated side effects and adverse events, are crucial.

Keywords: Immunoglobulin therapy; adverse events; high dose immunomodulation; routes of administration; side effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive / adverse effects*
  • Immunization, Passive / methods
  • Immunoglobulins / adverse effects*
  • Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / therapy
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / therapy

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Immunologic Factors