Iv-Ig treatment
 

I was wondering if I could get some hints or advise on what to do with the migraines after Iv-Ig treatments. I'll always get one 24 hours after I get the final treatment done. So far I've tried Tylenol and migraine Tylenol something or other, was another pill for migraines just can't remember. They just seem to get so bad that I can't open my eyes or my head feels like it's going to explode and when my eyes are shut my eyes want to pop out from the pain. The last time I had it done I also got pretty sick from the pain (but no one around so I suffered through it). I don't go till the middle of January for it, so any feed back would be greatly appreciated. I don't think I can handle many anymore of those migraines and be down for a week. Thanks a greatly appreciated.

MbGuy

Migraines after Iv-Ig treatment could be caused by too-rapid injection.
In France, a 250 milli-liter dose is passed in 2 1/2 or 3 hours (total 3 per day). Only if everything goes well, time is then reduced, step by step…
If needed despite these precautions, paracetamol may de used.
Maurice.

You need to drink COPIOUS amounts of fluids the days before, during and after an infusion. Make sure the rate is not too fast, and since you are having trouble, reduce the rate. You may also need to change brands. I had HORRIBLE headaches with Carimmune. Gamunex--not so much. You may also use ibuprofen the day of/and after. Tylenol is useless, IMO. It does nothing for inflammation, which is the cause of the pain in the first place.

Bottom line--don't suffer in silence. Speak up and work toward a solution.

I fully agree with MissyGirl, I forgot to mention the need to drink.
I would add that COPIOUS means at least 1 1/2 liter to 2 liters of water per day.
Maurice.

hi - I just read your post. I have been getting IVIg for about a year and a half - the rate definitely impacts the severity of the headache.. have them do it very slowly - I get mine infused over 4-6 hours. The people at the infusion center used to argue with me about it saying that it could be given faster but they don't anymore... Also, do they give you Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and tylenol before the infusion? They give that to me an hour before the infusion starts and have advised me to take both every six hours for the next 24 hours after the infusion. I usually just go home and try to sleep 'till the next day... drinking fluids helps. Good luck -
Gabe

Ivig
 

Hello! I get migraines after IVIG no matter how much water I drink. The only thing that helps me is 100mg Imitrex. It will knock you out and make you sleep,but that is probably a good thing. I have gotten to the point that I take the Imitrex BEFORE the infusion is over to prevent the migraine. You might want to mention this to your doctor. The last thing we need are migraines to go along with the MG!!

I manage by alternating Tylenol and Advil (2 tabs) every 4 hours...and then going to sleep. My headaches typically come ~1 day after and last 1-2 days.

I don't know what is the cause or the cure...sometimes (rarely) I don't get a headache...and I always use the same brand and get infused at the same rate

Hi MB - as a frequent user of IVIG I know what you are going through. Being very well hydrated before a treatment is very important. But what I have found to help the most is checking to see what "brand" of IVIG you are being given. The hospital where I did my treatments used various brands most of which has large amounts of sucrose and sodium to stabilize the drug. Once I found that out I had my doctor prescribe a brand that didn't have that - there are a few so there are options. The headaches stopped! It was all that sugar that was doing me in. Hope this help. D