Before Your IgG Therapy:
1. The IgG America nurse coordinator and pharmacist will contact you to discuss your treatment.
2. The pharmacist will ask you questions about your medical history and will explain the medication, including side effects and what you can do to prevent them. If you have had immuneglobulin (IgG) therapy before, let the pharmacist know how you tolerated it.
3. The nurse coordinator will speak with you to describe how your medication will be given, what to expect when your infusion visits occur and to coordinate your first nursing visit.
4. If you have had previous experience with any type of IV therapy and/or have allergies to tape or adhesive products, please discuss your experiences with the nurse before the infusion begins. If you are anxious or fearful of needles, please tell the nurse coordinator or pharmacist.
5. The nurse coordinator or pharmacist will let you know when your delivery will arrive.
When You Receive Your Delivery:
1. Be sure to put your IgG in the refrigerator when you receive it, unless the pharmacist has told you that your product does not need to be refrigerated.
2. The IgG will appear clear and may have a yellowish tint to it. Although IgG is manufactured from blood, it will not look red.
3. You may receive an electronic IV pump. If you do receive an electronic IV pump, and it is a pole mounted pump, please be sure to plug the pump into an electrical outlet on arrival. This will ensure that the back-up battery is adequately charged. If you receive an ambulatory pump (one that is small enough to walk around with) or a syringe pump, these do not need to be plugged into a power source, as they operate on batteries.
4. IgG America always provides emergency medications in case you have an allergic reaction. These items come together in a kit. The kit will have a bag of IV fluid, a package of tubing, some assorted syringes and medications. While serious reactions are extremely rare, it is important to keep these items together and available for your nurse at each infusion. Do not throw your emergency medication kit away. Store it at room temperature and in a safe place, away from food, pets and tampering by others.
5. IgG America will send a special container that the nurse will use to dispose of needles or other contaminated products. It may be a red plastic or a cardboard container that has been specially designed for mailing. It is very important to remember that this container cannot be thrown away with your regular trash. IgG America will help you make sure that the container is disposed of properly.
6. If you have an emergency that requires you to change your IgG treatment schedule, please tell the IgG America office as soon as you know about your plans.
48 Hours before Your Infusion:
Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or clear fluids daily. Continue to drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout your treatment and for 1-2 days after your infusion ends. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Drinking extra fluids helps reduce the side effects from IgG.
24 Hours before Your Infusion:
The nurse will call to confirm the exact day and time of your infusion. Please understand that the arrival time of the nurse may be delayed due to weather or traffic conditions. If the nurse has not called you within 24 hours of your expected IgG infusion, please contact our office toll-free at 1-877-674-9700.
Immediately before Your Infusion:
1. IV medications should be brought to room temperature before they are used. Remove one dose from the refrigerator approximately 4-6 hours before the nurse is due to arrive. Do not attempt to warms bags or vials of IgG by placing them in hot water, in direct sunlight or in a microwave oven. High temperatures can inactivate the proteins in IgG. Never put your IgG in the freezer. If you have a morning appointment, remove your medications the night before you go to bed.
2. Remember to take your pre-meds (Tylenol, Benadryl, or other medications ordered by the physician) before the infusion begins. Your nurse will help you determine the best time to take these medications. Your pre-meds will help prevent the common side effects of IgG therapy.
During Your Infusion:
1. Your nurse will remain with you throughout your IgG infusion. The nurse will start your IV, check it often, make sure your IgG is infusing according to the doctor's exact orders and be there to answer any questions you may have. The nurse will also check your vital signs frequently throughout the treatment.
2. Common side effects are headache, fever, chills and/or fatigue. You may feel as though you have the flu. Your vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure) may change. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your nurse right away. Often these symptoms can be controlled by slowing the rate (speed) of the infusion.
3. Continue your normal meal schedule. There is no need to skip meals when you are receiving IgG.
4. Continue to take your other medications as prescribed. Your pharmacist will ask you for a list of your current medications and will review it for potential interactions.
After Your Infusion:
1. If at any time during or after your IgG treatment you begin to feel very sick, you should have someone take you to an emergency department. Do not try to drive yourself. Symptoms of a serious reaction may include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, shortness of breath, very low blood pressure, chest pain, sudden weakness and avoidance of bright lights. These symptoms are rare, but when they do occur, the situation requires the type of medical care that can only be provided in a hospital.
2. After your infusion is completed, if you receive your treatment less often than every 3 weeks, your pump will be returned via FedEx in the mail-back box provided in your delivery. Your nurse will take care of dropping it at the nearest FedEx drop-box or calling FedEx for a pick up.
3. Remember to confirm with your physician the date and time of your next office appointment. In many cases your physician will want to evaluate your response to IgG therapy before ordering any additional treatment. It is very important to keep all of your scheduled appointments with your doctor.
If you have questions or concerns, please call our office toll-free at 877.674.9700. A registered pharmacist or nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. |
