I had my first subcutaneous infusion of immunoglobulin (IGG) today at home. The doctor switched me from monthly IV infusions to weekly subcutaneous infusions in hopes that weekly doses of a smaller amount would provide a more constant level of IGG compared to a larger dose administered once a month.

A nurse came today to help me with the first infusion and teach me how; she will probably come once more to help me, but after that, I will administer the infusion myself.

The nurse brought enough supplies for a month (4 infusions), including the IGG, which I will store in the refrigerator. Each month a courier from the pharmacy will bring more supplies and more IGG.

I mowed off some of my belly hair so the tape to hold the needles in place would stick onto my skin better. I rubbed a lidocaine cream on my belly to help deaden the pain. I stuck the needles in myself; they are pretty small, about 1/4 inches long.  I felt no pain. The needles were taped to my belly to hold them in place.

We used 2 big syringes to administer the IGG. We filled the syringes with IGG from 2 bottles/vials each containing 40 ml (about 3 tablespoons). The syringe was connected to five small tubes, which were connected to tiny needles. We wore gloves and wiped my belly with alcohol. The syringe was connected to a pump, which automatically dispensed the IGG. It took about 30-40 minutes for each syringe to empty. I felt almost nothing when the IGG was going in, except for a slight itching at the very start of the infusion.

I took Tylenol and benedryl before starting the infusion, because that I what the doctor ordered when I had IV infusions at the hospital. By the time the infusion was finished, I felt pretty bad with a headache and a feverish feeling (but no fever). I felt about the same as I did following the IV infusions. This surprised me a little, because I didn’t expect the smaller dose to cause the same symptoms as the IV infusions.

I’m still hopeful that IGG infusions will eventually make me feel better.  I have not felt very good at all since the last IV infusion.  Like the doctor, I hope this type of infusion will work better for me.