Iqymune (Human Normal Immunoglobulin)

Iqymune is used in immunoglobulin therapy to replace deficient antibodies in several immune‑related conditions.

• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: restores IgG levels and reduces the frequency of infections.
• Secondary Immunodeficiency (e.g., chemotherapy, HIV): provides IgG replacement to support immune function.
• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): modulates immune response to increase platelet counts.

• Iqymune supplies a pooled preparation of human IgG antibodies derived from screened donors. The infused IgG binds to pathogens and toxins, neutralising them, and interacts with Fc receptors on immune cells to modulate cytokine release and complement activation. By supplementing the patient’s deficient endogenous immunoglobulin pool, it restores humoral immunity and helps regulate aberrant immune responses.

Administration of Iqymune may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, which are categorised by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring during or shortly after infusion.
• Fever and chills: transient rise in body temperature with shaking sensations.
• Nausea: mild gastrointestinal discomfort during infusion.
• Fatigue: temporary feeling of tiredness post‑treatment.
• Infusion‑related reactions: erythema, itching or mild hypotension.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Thromboembolic events: clot formation that can affect vascular circulation.
• Acute renal failure: sudden loss of kidney function, especially with high‑dose regimens.

Before initiating Iqymune therapy, several precautions should be considered to ensure patient safety.

• Baseline IgG assessment: measure serum IgG levels to determine need for replacement.
• Renal function monitoring: check creatinine and urine output during treatment.
• Thrombotic risk evaluation: assess history of clotting disorders before infusion.
• IgA deficiency screening: avoid use in patients with severe IgA deficiency and anti‑IgA antibodies.
• Pregnancy and lactation: prescribe only when benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Iqymune can interact with other medicines or vaccines, influencing safety or efficacy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Live attenuated vaccines: may result in reduced vaccine efficacy; avoid concurrent administration.
• High‑dose aspirin or NSAIDs: increase risk of renal impairment when combined with IVIG.
• Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides): may exacerbate renal side effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Corticosteroids: can mask early signs of infusion reactions; monitor patient response.
• Diuretics: may affect fluid balance; observe for volume overload or dehydration.
• Inactivated vaccines: immune response may be diminished; assess antibody titres if needed.