Treating Immune Deficiencies

Common Primary Immunodeficiencies

  • Deficiency of Humoral Immunity
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia
  • Selective IgM Deficiency
  • Selective IgG Deficiency
  • X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (Bruton's)
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency
  • Cellular lmmunity
  • Immunodeficiency, unspecified
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease

There are many diseases that can be grouped as immune deficiencies. With immune deficiency, one or several parts of the immune system are not working at all or not working well enough to protect you from infection. Normally the body attacks and destroys germs that can cause infection. Patients may have a primary immune deficiency (PPID), which they are born with, or secondary immune deficiency which they develop during their lifetime.

Some patients have very serious disease that is usually diagnosed in infancy. Others have milder forms which might not be diagnosed until later in life. These patients likely had more infections that lasted longer and were more severe. Some patients may have autoimmune diseases — the immune system attacks itself instead of the germs.

Some of the common primary immunodeficiencies are listed on the right. The symptoms depend on which part of the immune system is affected.

One of the ways patients can prevent infection is by giving them antibodies that can help prevent and fight germs. Antibodies form in the body when we are exposed to anything that is not part of us, like bacteria and viruses. A patient with an immune deficiency does not make enough or any antibodies to attack the germs. Immunoglobulins are antibodies. Immunoglobulin therapy gives the patients the antibodies they do not have. Because the levels of antibodies go down gradually, patients need to have these immunoglobulins replaced regularly. As the levels of antibodies go down the patient is more likely to get an infection.

Administering Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulin can be given through the vein (by IV) or just under the skin (subcutaneous or subQ). IV infusions are needed about once a month and take about 5 to 6 hours. A subQ infusion is given at least once a week. Most of the time patients can be taught to give themselves their infusions (self-infuse).

  IV Infusion SubQ Infusion
Frequency of dosing Every 3 to 4 weeks Every week
Access A long-term IV line SubQ needle sticks
Side effects Significant for some Most common are local site reactions
Concentration in the blood Rises and lowers Stays steadier

 

Therapy Support & Medications

Most frequently prescribed medications for managing immune deficiencies include*:

Your Partner in Therapeutic Success

CoramRx maximizes compliance, minimizes complications and helps patients achieve therapeutic success in the most cost-efficient and clinically effective way possible. One week prior to each prescription dispense, you will receive a refill reminder phone call. To help ensure success with your IVIg therapy, your pharmacy department team member will ask a series of clinical monitoring questions related to: Compliance to prescribed therapy, drug side effects, hospitalization, change in medication profile, disease status and effectiveness of prescribed therapy.

Patient Resources

The organizations listed below offer a variety of services and resources for consumers and caregivers. Please note that some organizations may charge a fee for access to services. This listing is not an endorsement of these organizations, or information they may disseminate. We strongly suggest you discuss any information you receive from these organizations with a qualified professional before making any changes in your healthcare, insurance coverage or home care provider.

Immune Deficiency Foundation — a free resources that connects people and patients affected by primary immunodeficiency disease.

International Patient Organization for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI) — an international organzation made up of patient organizations dedicated to improving awareness, early diagnosis and treatment for PPID.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) — a nonprofit organization that provides services to people with rare diseases, including PPID. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research and service.

United States Immunodeficiency Network (USIDNET) — a research consortium dedicated to advancing scientific research of PPID. USIDNET also maintains a national registry of patients with PPID to improve patient care and treatments.

FDA: Disposing Unused Medication — government guidelines for disposing unused medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Learn More

  • To learn more about your options for managing immune deficiencies and CoramRx, please contact us.
  • To enroll as a patient with CoramRx, please complete our Patient Enrollment Form.

 

*Please contact CoramRx about other therapies not listed here.