What It Is and What It Treats
Immunorel contains a concentrated solution of human IgG
antibodies derived from pooled plasma of thousands of healthy donors. The large
donor pool provides a broad spectrum of antibodies against a wide range of
pathogens and antigens. It is used for two distinct purposes: immunoglobulin
replacement therapy, and immunomodulation.
Replacement therapy (primary and secondary
immunodeficiency):
• Primary immunodeficiency disorders
(PID): agammaglobulinaemia, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), combined
immunodeficiencies — replacing absent or severely depleted IgG antibodies
• Secondary immunodeficiency: CLL,
myeloma, bone marrow transplant — when disease or treatment has depleted
immunoglobulin levels causing recurrent infection
Immunomodulation:
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
— to rapidly raise platelet count
• Kawasaki disease — reduces risk of
coronary artery aneurysm if given within 10 days
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and
chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
• Other immune-mediated neurological
and inflammatory conditions per specialist guidance
Dosing and Administration
Dose by indication:
• Replacement therapy (PID/SID):
0.4–0.8 g/kg every 3–4 weeks, titrated to trough IgG levels and clinical
response
• ITP: 0.8–1 g/kg/day for 1–2 days
• Kawasaki disease: 2 g/kg as a single
infusion (plus aspirin)
• CIDP induction: 2 g/kg over 2–5 days;
maintenance 1 g/kg every 3 weeks
Administration:
Infuse intravenously via a dedicated IV line — do not mix
with other medicines or IV fluids. Start infusion slowly (0.5–1 mL/kg/hour) and
increase rate gradually over 30 minutes if tolerated, per prescribing guidance.
Each infusion typically takes 2–6 hours.
• Vital signs must be monitored at 15–30-minute
intervals throughout the first infusion and whenever the rate is increased
• Pre-medication with paracetamol and
antihistamine may be considered in patients with prior infusion reactions
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PATIENT TIP:
You
will receive this medicine as an IV drip in hospital or an infusion clinic.
Each infusion may take several hours. Tell healthcare staff immediately if
during the infusion you feel flushed, develop a headache, back or chest pain,
or feel breathless — the infusion will be slowed or stopped and you will be
treated promptly. |
Side Effects
|
Frequency |
Side Effects |
|
Common (infusion-related) |
Headache, flushing, chills, nausea, fever,
fatigue, back pain — most common during the first infusion and at higher
infusion rates; usually resolve with rate reduction |
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Less Common |
Hypotension or hypertension, tachycardia,
urticaria, joint pain |
|
Serious — Seek Urgent Help |
Anaphylaxis (especially in IgA-deficient
patients with anti-IgA antibodies). Aseptic meningitis syndrome: severe
headache, neck stiffness, photophobia 24–48 hours post-infusion — requires
neurological evaluation. Thromboembolic events (MI, stroke, DVT/PE) —
particularly in high-dose therapy and patients with existing cardiovascular
risk. TACO (circulatory overload) in patients with cardiac or renal
impairment. Haemolysis. |
Contraindications and Cautions
• Known selective IgA deficiency with
anti-IgA antibodies — high risk of severe anaphylaxis. Screen all patients for
IgA deficiency before the first infusion.
• Known hypersensitivity to any human
immunoglobulin preparation
• Pre-existing renal impairment: ensure
adequate renal function before use; monitor urea and creatinine during therapy
— use at minimum effective concentration and infusion rate
• Thrombotic risk factors (immobility,
hypercoagulable states, advanced age, obesity, cardiovascular disease):
high-dose IVIG increases thrombotic risk. Adequate hydration before, during,
and after infusion is essential. Administer at the minimum effective infusion
rate.
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CAUTION:
PLASMA-DERIVED
PRODUCT: Immunorel is derived from pooled human blood. Manufacturing
processes substantially reduce (but cannot completely eliminate) the
theoretical risk of transmitting infectious agents. Batch number traceability
is mandatory — record the batch/lot number in the patient's clinical notes at
every infusion for pharmacovigilance purposes. |
Key Drug Interactions
• Live attenuated vaccines (MMR,
varicella, yellow fever): IVIG can impair the immune response to live vaccines
for up to 3 months after administration. Defer live vaccination by at least 3
months post-infusion.
• Laboratory coagulation tests: IVIG
may transiently affect coagulation test results — time blood tests
appropriately
• Nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides,
NSAIDs): caution if used concurrently — additive renal stress
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Immunorel used for?
It provides
concentrated IgG antibodies either to replace missing antibodies in immune
deficiency disorders (enabling the body to fight infections), or to modulate an
overactive immune system in conditions like ITP, Kawasaki disease, and
inflammatory nerve disorders.
Q: Is it made from human blood? - Is this safe?
Yes, it is made from
pooled human plasma from thousands of donors. Manufacturing processes include
multiple viral inactivation and removal steps that substantially reduce any
infectious risk. The remaining theoretical risk of virus transmission is very small,
but cannot be completely excluded. Your clinician will have assessed that the
benefit of treatment outweighs this risk.
Q: I cannot have live vaccines after IVIG — what does this
mean practically?
IVIG contains
antibodies that can neutralise the weakened viruses in live vaccines (such as
MMR, chickenpox, and yellow fever), making them less effective. These vaccines
should be deferred for at least 3 months after an IVIG infusion. Your
specialist or GP will advise on timing.
Q: How often do I need IVIG infusions?
For ongoing
immunodeficiency replacement therapy, typically every 3–4 weeks — this is a
lifelong treatment for most patients with PID. For conditions like ITP or
Kawasaki disease, IVIG may be given as a short course. CIDP maintenance is
typically every 3 weeks. Your specialist will determine the schedule based on
your condition and response.
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