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Immunoglobulin Therapy.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Perth, AU

When I finished my Chemotherapy in 2022 it was discovered that I had an immunoglobulin deficiency. It would appear that the chemo had destroyed my immune system
There are three parts to the bloods within the immunoglobulin, IVG, IVM and IVA. For me IVM and IVA no longer exist the chemo has wiped them out. The IVG issue made me have therapy once a month to raise the blood levels, unfortunately this is ongoing and the levels for IVG are like waves, they come up with treatment but drop over the… read more

September 10 (edited)
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Any side effects from immunoglobulin therapy need to be brought to the attention of your consultant, I have been having therapy now for approximately four years and only have fatigue, a mild head ache and aches, all vey manageable. Just about to start SCIg which hopefully will boost my immune system. Done at home and done weekly.
Once this starts I will write up on how it goes. This should stop the visits to the hospital every month and make life easier for travelling.

October 3
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

The immunodeficiency can also happen with CLL , even when one has had no treatment. Mine was present probably a couple years. It is looking back at things like a fever blister that festered for 9-10 weeks with no improvement.

October 2
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Chemo is very strong and has toxic affects. Medication had less problems and medication is focused on those bad cells not affecting healthy organs or cells.

September 22
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Hi Claudia,
They have therapy for immunocompromised blood , would suggest speaking to your consultant as I have therapy for IVG . At least that keeps my immune system working to some degree.

October 3
MyLeukemiaTeam

Thank you for sharing your experience so thoroughly — it will absolutely help others going through similar challenges. This is a really important topic for people with leukemia post-chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy can damage the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells, including the white blood cells responsible for Show Full Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience so thoroughly — it will absolutely help others going through similar challenges. This is a really important topic for people with leukemia post-chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy can damage the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells, including the white blood cells responsible for immune function. When immunoglobulin levels drop, the body becomes far more vulnerable to infections — as a MyLeukemiaTeam member experienced firsthand with two bouts of pneumonia in a single year. 1. How long does IVG therapy typically continue?

For many people, immunoglobulin replacement therapy becomes a long-term or ongoing commitment when the immune system doesn't fully recover after chemotherapy. The "wave" pattern — levels rising after treatment then dropping before the next visit — is a well-known challenge and is exactly why consistent, regular infusions are necessary. 2. Alternatives or adjustments to IVG therapy

It's worth having a detailed conversation with your specialist about the following options:

- Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) — administered under the skin, often at home, in smaller but more frequent doses, which can help smooth out those level fluctuations
- Adjusted infusion frequency — some people benefit from more frequent but smaller IVG doses to maintain steadier levels
- Prophylactic antibiotics — sometimes used alongside immunoglobulin therapy to further reduce infection risk

Always discuss any changes with your hematologist before adjusting your current treatment plan. 3. Supporting your immune system

While nothing replaces medical treatment, there are some supportive steps that may help:

- Vaccinations — staying current on recommended vaccines is important, though timing matters; doctors often recommend getting vaccinated when immune levels are at their strongest, such as shortly after an infusion
- Sleep and stress management — both have a meaningful impact on immune function
- Balanced nutrition — a nutrient-rich diet supports overall health
- Continuing your protective habits — masking in public and avoiding people who are unwell are genuinely effective strategies, as you're already doing

The precautions already being taken are exactly the right approach. Staying vigilant is not overcautious — it's smart.

September 10

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