Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement for primary antibody deficiency

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been a staple of replacement therapy for primary antibody deficiency for years.

More recently, subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement has been shown to be an effective and safe alternative to IVIG.

Risk of systemic reactions during SCIG infusion is less than 1%. Many patients prefer SCIG over conventional IVIG.

SCIG therapy has been widely used in European countries for years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first SCIG product in 2006.



CSL Behring, the maker of Vivaglobin (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human]) announced that Hizentra is now commercially available. Hizentra is the first and currently only subcutaneous 20% liquid immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy indicated for the treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD).

Here are some helpful links regarding SCIG and Hizentra specifically:

Hizentra Dosage Calculator
http://www.hizentra.com/professional/about-hizentra/hizentra-dosage-calculator.aspx

Nurse Locator helps yo find nurse agencies that staff nurses who completed the SHARE training program for SCIG:
http://www.hizentra.com/professional/initiating-hizentra/sub-q-therapy-nurse-locator.aspx

References

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy for primary antibody deficiency: advancements into the 21st century. Moore ML, Quinn JM. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008 Aug;101(2):114-21; quiz 122-3, 178.

HyQvia combines IgG Infusion 10% and hyaluronidase, packaged as a kit for treatment of primary immunodeficiency. Baxter, 2012.

Related reading

Possible association between a subcutaneous immune globulin (Vivaglobin) and thrombotic events - ongoing FDA review (PDF).