Side effects from IVIG are usually mild
In general, IVIG is a safe treatment. Most side effects are mild and easy to control. They do not cause problems that last for a long time. A few patients have more serious side effects, but these are very rare. Talk to your child's doctor about the benefits and risks of IVIG and its possible side effects.
The most common side effects of IVIG
Some children have side effects when they take IVIG. Side effects can happen while the IVIG is going in and up to two days after.
Call your child's nurse or doctor if your child has any of these side effects:
- headache
- fast heart rate
- dizziness or feeling light-headed
- backache
- flushing of face
- nausea or feeling sick to the stomach
- stomach pain
- throwing up
- muscle pain or tenderness
- tightness in the chest or wheezing
- rash or hives
- chills or feeling cold
- fever
Side effects can often be stopped or reduced
If your child has any side effects, you or your child should tell the nurse. Side effects can often be reduced or stopped if the IVIG is given more slowly. Sometimes, other medicines can also help reduce the side effects.
If your child has had problems with IVIG before, the doctor may prescribe medicine for your child before the IVIG is started.
Severe side effects to IVIG are rare
Some children may have a severe side effect called an anaphylactic reaction. This is very rare. It usually happens right after starting the IVIG.
If your child has an anaphylactic reaction, they will have some or all of the following signs and symptoms. Tell your child's nurse right away if you notice your child having any:
- trouble breathing and tightness in the chest
- fever
- flushing and swelling of the face
- feeling sick to the stomach
- dizziness
- throwing up
- rash or hives
Rare, severe reactions to IVIG
A very small number of patients have other, more severe reactions to IVIG. Most of these slowly go away after the IVIG is stopped.
These reactions are described below. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your child after you have gone home, call your child's doctor right away. If the signs or symptoms are severe, bring your child to the nearest emergency department.
Hemolytic anemia
Some children experience a drop in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin after IVIG. This improves over time and rarely needs any treatment. Children with hemolytic anemia get repeat blood tests to monitor their hemoglobin.
These are some signs of hemolytic anemia:
- pale skin
- yellowish skin, eyes and mouth (jaundice)
- dark-coloured urine (pee)
- fever
- feeling weak, dizzy or confused
- fast heart rate
Aseptic meningitis
Aseptic meningitis is a swelling of the outer covering of the brain. "Aseptic" means it is not caused by an infection. Aseptic meningitis usually happens after all the IVIG has gone in and can happen up to 48 hours after your child starts taking it.
These are some signs of aseptic meningitis:
- fever
- severe headache
- neck stiffness
- feeling sick to the stomach
- throwing up
- sensitivity to light
- being less alert
Most patients recover within a few days and tolerate subsequent treatment.
Hyperviscosity syndrome
In hyperviscosity syndrome, the blood becomes thick and does not flow through the body as quickly as usual.
These are some symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome:
- headache
- fatigue or tiredness
- blurred vision
Kidney failure
In kidney failure, the kidneys stop working properly. Kidney failure is most likely to happen in children who have had kidney problems before.
These are some signs of kidney failure:
- your child cannot urinate (pee)
- your child's urine is much darker than usual