Immunoglobulin is a valuable treatment for an increasing range of disorders. Originally produced to treat immune deficiency disorders, it is increasingly used to treat autoimmune, neurological and other inflammatory diseases.
Some of these treatments require long-term therapy. When this requires admission to hospital as a day case or even an inpatient stay, this becomes time-consuming for staff, inconvenient for the patient, and expensive for the health service.
Give your immunoglobulin at home
For over 30 years we have been training patients to self-administer immunoglobulin therapy at home. Over half of our immunodeficiency patients manage their own treatment at their convenience, with our training and ongoing support. Patients are usually very satisfied with this treatment option.
Patients can be trained to give the immunoglobulin intravenously (into the vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin). Both routes are safe and can be used for either immunoglobulin replacement therapy (e.g. in immunodeficiency) or high-dose immunomodulation (such as for some neurological diseases).
You can find out more about Immunoglobulin therapy at the Immunodeficiency UK website.
Home th
erapy training referrals
We can now also offer to train patients attending other departments and hospitals to treat themselves with immunoglobulin at home. In order to be considered for this service, the patient must:
- Need immunoglobulin treatment for at least a further 6 months
- Have the support of a relative, carer or friend for the procedure
- Be willing to undertake the training
- Be referred by the specialist who has suggested or initiated the immunoglobulin treatment
Contact the specialist nursing team for further advice about this service.
