Gammagard® IVIg infusions can treat immunodeficiencies and certain neurological disorders. How long does it take for Gammagard to work for your condition?
Gammagard® IVIg infusion therapy can help manage chronic illnesses related to immune system deficiencies and certain neurological disorders. If you’ve just started an infusion regimen, you’re probably anxious to know how long it takes for Gammagard to work so you can experience relief from your symptoms. Your physiology and particular condition are unique, so expect your treatment timeline to be different than others.
What Is Gammagard?
Gammagard is the brand name of an FDA-approved immune globulin infusion made from antibodies collected from healthy plasma donors. You can receive this medication through an infusion procedure that is either intravenous (into the vein) or subcutaneous (under the skin). Gammagard is usually administered at an outpatient infusion center or hospital.
How Long Before Gammagard Works for Your Condition?
While some Gammagard patients may notice improvements in as little as a few days, significant results usually take longer and are heavily influenced by the disease being treated. This potential for improvement should instill hope and optimism in patients.
Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)
Gammagard therapy for PI temporarily increases the number of certain infection-fighting antibodies, which makes the body less susceptible to pathogens. The treatment procedure usually involves an infusion every three to four weeks for 12 months, and many patients report fewer and less severe infections within weeks to a few months after starting infusion therapy.
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
Researchers believe Gammagard can reduce nerve tissue damage and inflammation in MMN by binding to and neutralizing harmful antibodies attacking the nerves. Clinical studies have yet to be proven, but they show muscle strength improvements and disability reductions in MMN patients over a 60-week period of regular infusions. Individual results vary, but it is possible for Gammagard to start working during the first few months of treatment.
Gammagard reduces the production of destructive antibodies and prevents overactive complement systems from damaging nerves, which is most likely what slows the progression of muscle weakness in CIDP.
Patients receiving Gammagard infusion therapy after prior corticosteroid or plasma exchange treatments often saw improvement in their neuromuscular disability in an average of three to four weeks. Treatment-naïve patients (those who have never been treated for CIDP) may take up to 18 weeks to see measurable results.
What Can You Do To Make Gammagard Work Faster?
How well you tolerate the infusions may influence how long it takes for Gammagard to work. Significant side effects can lead to dose adjustments or treatment interruptions, causing delayed therapeutic benefits. However, there are steps you can take to help increase the effectiveness of your infusion process:
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and following your infusion.
Follow your prescribed premedication schedule.
Make sure your treatment team administers Gammagard at room temperature.
These recommendations all work to improve your body’s ability to absorb the medication and prevent side effects and infusion reactions from affecting your Gammagard therapy.
Learn if Gammagard Can Work For You
Persistent or recurring health problems that disrupt your life can be frustrating, but Gammagard can help. Talk to your doctor about how long it should take for Gammagard to manage your condition. Once you decide that infusion therapy is right for you, contact one of our infusion centers to get started and learn how this IV infusion may fit into your overall care plan.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. It is intended as a general resource to aid in understanding diagnoses and treatment options. If you have concerns about a medical condition or are interested in a specific treatment, please consult your healthcare provider.