Taking Control of Your PI Treatment at Home

Living with primary immunodeficiency (PI) can feel like a life managed by the schedule of your infusions. For years, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was the primary treatment, requiring people with PI to spend several hours every 3 to 4 weeks at a hospital or clinic.¹

However, the landscape of PI care is changing. A 2023 survey by the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) found that more people use subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy, compared to those who use IVIG. This shift reflects a growing preference for a more flexible, at-home approach.^1,2

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) at home

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy is a way to give your body the antibodies it needs to fight infections. Think of it like a shield for your immune system. People with PI do not produce enough of these protective antibodies. This makes them more susceptible to illnesses. SCIg therapy provides these missing antibodies, helping to keep you healthy.¹

A big benefit of SCIg is that you can do it at home. Instead of going to a clinic for an intravenous (IV) infusion, which can take several hours, SCIg is a simple process you can learn to do yourself.^1,3-5

The medicine is delivered just under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. This method is slow and steady, delivering a constant supply of antibodies to your body.^1,3,5

At-home administration means no more time going to and from the hospital or clinic to receive treatment. You can schedule your treatment around your life, not the other way around, which provides a lot more flexibility and freedom.^1,3,4

Common concerns about SCIg

One of the biggest concerns for many people is the thought of using needles and the number of needles needed for an infusion. It is completely normal to feel anxious about using needles. However, it is important to know that the needles used for SCIg are very small and thin. They are much smaller than the ones used for IV infusions or blood draws. To reduce discomfort, you can apply a numbing cream to the infusion site beforehand.^3,4

You will not be expected to do this on your own right away. A trained healthcare professional will teach you exactly how to do the infusion safely and correctly. They will be with you every step of the way until you feel confident and comfortable. The training covers everything from preparing the medication to choosing an infusion site.^1,3,5

You will also have ongoing support to answer any questions you may have. This support system is in place to make sure you feel empowered and secure in your ability to manage your treatment.³

The importance of being consistent

Consistent therapy is the key to staying healthy with PI. Regular SCIg treatments build a strong and reliable defense system. When you stick to your treatment schedule, you maintain a steady level of antibodies in your blood. This constant protection means your body is always ready to fight off germs and bacteria.^1,6

Missing treatments can leave your body vulnerable to infection. It is like leaving a door unlocked in a secure house. Consistent therapy helps you avoid the cycle of getting sick, recovering, and then getting sick again.^1,6

By making SCIg a regular part of your routine, you are taking a proactive step toward a healthier, more stable life. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology, patients who adhere to their treatment regimen experience fewer infections and hospitalizations.⁶

A better quality of life

The benefit of SCIg therapy is the improvement in a person’s quality of life. In various patient surveys, many patients reported that switching to SCIg therapy allowed them to feel more:^3,4

• Empowered
• Independent
• In control of their disease
• Freedom from trips to the clinic and schedules