Immunoglobulins are antibodies found in the blood. They are a part of your immune system and help to protect you from infection.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a concentrated solution of antibodies from donor blood given to people with an autoimmune condition. The intention is to reduce inflammation and calm the symptoms experienced. IVIG is used in several neurological conditions, but is not regularly used in the UK for people with MS. Evidence shows that the licenced disease modifying drugs (DMDs) have better outcomes in MS.
IVIG is an accepted treatment for MS in other European countries, and may be used in the UK in rare circumstances. This might be where other drugs have not worked or are not appropriate, or where people have developed dangerous symptoms or side effects.
If you developed neurological symptoms referred to as ADEM (acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis) as a child or teenager, you may have been treated with IVIG before subsequently getting an MS diagnosis later in life.
