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Why is there an IVIg shortage?
Immune globulin (also known as IVIg, IGIV, or IgG) is a plasma derived product prescribed to treat various immune deficient and autoimmune diseases. Over the past several years, many patients, physician practices, and hospitals have experienced difficulties acquiring IVIg. Several factors have contributed to this shortage situation:
- Industry consolidation.
In 2002, there were five IVIg manufacturers based in the United States.
Today, there are three.
- Worldwide shortage of raw (donated) blood plasma.
IVIg is extracted from plasma through a manufacturing process
called “fractionation”.
- Health insurance payments to providers (home health companies, physicians, hospitals) have significantly decreased in recent years.
Reimbursement reductions, particularly by Medicare, have created
scenarios whereby providers cannot cover their costs for administering IVIg treatments to patients.
- Most IVIg products/brands have been on allocation since
2004.
This means that providers can only acquire a specific amount of IVIg each month. Once the monthly allocation has been dispensed, it can be difficult to secure additional IVIg for patients.
What can you do to ensure access to IVIg treatments in the future?
- If you are currently receiving IVIg treatments, contact your provider and inquire about their IVIg capabilities. Are they receiving an allocation for IVIg? What brand(s) of IVIg can they provide? Do they carry an inventory of IVIg products in case they run into allocation issues?
- If you are contemplating IVIg treatments, identify providers that will commit to supplying your IVIg needs on an ongoing basis. Remember, providers are on allocation for IVIg and many will only be able to guarantee IVIg on a month-to-month basis.
- Understand your health insurance coverage policy on IVIg. Insurance coverage can vary: based on your diagnosis; the dollar amount reimbursed by the insurance company; and the approved location (home, physician’s office, or hospital outpatient center) for your IVIg treatments.
If you have any additional IVIg-related questions, please call 1.877.674.9700
or visit www.iggamerica.com.