Immunoglobulin therapy

It has been suggested that this article should be split into a new article titled normal human immunoglobulin. (discuss) (December 2020)

Immunoglobulin therapy is the use of a mixture of antibodies (normal human immunoglobulin) to treat several health conditions.^[13][14] These conditions include primary immunodeficiency, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Kawasaki disease, certain cases of HIV/AIDS and measles, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and certain other infections when a more specific immunoglobulin is not available.^[13] Depending on the formulation it can be given by injection into muscle, a vein, or under the skin.^[13] The effects last a few weeks.^[14]

Common side effects include pain at the site of injection, muscle pain, and allergic reactions.^[13] Other severe side effects include kidney problems, anaphylaxis, blood clots, and red blood cell breakdown.^[13] Use is not recommended in people with some types of IgA deficiency.^[13] Use appears to be relatively safe during pregnancy.^[13] Human immunoglobulin is made from human blood plasma.^[13] It contains antibodies against many viruses.^[14]

Human immunoglobulin therapy first occurred in the 1930s and a formulation for injection into a vein was approved for medical use in the United States in 1981.^[15] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[16][17] Each formulation of the product is somewhat different.^[14] A number of specific immunoglobulin formulations are also available including for hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, varicella infection, and Rh positive blood exposure.^[14]