From the Research
None of the listed medications - Privigen, Flebogamma, Bivigam, and Gammaplex - are subcutaneous injections for Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). As their names indicate, all four products are specifically formulated for intravenous administration, not subcutaneous use. These medications are all immune globulin preparations that must be administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) products are different formulations specifically designed for injection under the skin and include medications like Hizentra, Cuvitru, Xembify, and HyQvia. The distinction is important because IVIG and SCIG have different administration protocols, infusion rates, and concentration formulations. IVIG products like those listed cannot be safely administered subcutaneously as they are not formulated for absorption through subcutaneous tissue and could cause significant adverse reactions if given by this incorrect route.
Key points to consider:
- The formulations of Privigen, Flebogamma, Bivigam, and Gammaplex are designed for intravenous use, as indicated by their product information and studies such as the one published in 2017 on Gammaplex 1.
- Subcutaneous immunoglobulin products, on the other hand, are specifically designed for injection under the skin, with examples including Hizentra, Cuvitru, Xembify, and HyQvia.
- The administration protocols, infusion rates, and concentration formulations differ between IVIG and SCIG products, making it crucial to use the correct formulation for the intended route of administration to avoid adverse reactions.
- Studies on IVIG mechanisms and alternatives, such as those published in 2020 2 and 2011 3, do not support the use of Privigen, Flebogamma, Bivigam, and Gammaplex as subcutaneous injections.
- The efficacy and safety of IVIG products like Privigen have been demonstrated in specific conditions, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), as shown in a 2019 study 4, but this does not imply suitability for subcutaneous administration.