subject: Chronically Ill Benefit From Ivig [print this page] Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a miracle treatment for patients who live with various forms of autoimmune and neurological disorders. Unlike chemically-based drugs, IVIG is derived from human plasma. The science behind its effectiveness is due to the fact that immune globulin contains antibodies that help the body resist bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When immune globulin is administered to patients intravenously, it is referred to as IVIG.
IVIG has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several specific disease states. Many of these diseases are considered rare and even experienced physicians may not be familiar with their symptoms. These diseases include primary immunodeficiencies; immune-mediated thrombocytopenia; Kawasaki disease; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia; and pediatric HIV type 1 infection.
It is important to note that IVIG is not a cure for chronic disease and only improves the symptoms temporarily. Patients undergoing IVIG treatments must repeat infusions at regular intervals determined by their physician. Patients who undergo IVIG therapy can have their infusions administered in a hospital, an infusion center or sometimes at home with a nurse. IVIG infusions can be time consuming, taking anywhere from two to four hours to complete, so many patients prefer a home setting.
Like any medical procedure, IVIG can have side effects. Many patients report that slower infusions result in milder side effects, but do not eliminate them completely. IVIG patients often experience headaches, fatigue and rashes. These side effects can sometimes be minimized by drinking lots of water prior to an IVIG treatment, getting adequate rest, and using an antihistamine prior to treatment.
FFF Enterprises is the nation’s most trusted distributor of biopharmaceuticals such as IVIG. FFF is currently the only authorized distributor for all six US-approved IVIG manufacturers. Healthcare providers who order IVIG from FFF can rely on the company’s counterfeit-free track record of more than 23 years, which means the product they order is the product they will receive, ensuring the patient on the receiving end is protected from counterfeit or mismanaged fragile product.
Technology plays an important role in FFF’s commitment to supply channel integrity. Many FFF programs and systems have resulted in new distribution protocols among biopharmaceutical suppliers. One of these systems is the company’s first-of-its-kind Verified Electronic Pedigree™ (VEP) that electronically displays the chain of custody for every product shipped from FFF. Additionally, FFF’s LotTrack™ system tracks products by lot number and provides timely recall notification to those affected. FFF’s commitment to quality touches patients directly through its specialty pharmacy subsidiary, NuFACTOR, which was established to provide life-giving products like IVIG, coagulation factors and vaccines straight to the patients who need them.
IVIG can significantly improve the quality of life for patients who live with the effects of chronic disease. Offering patients safe and secure access to IVIG is one of the many ways that FFF Enterprises is helping healthcare care.
