Treating Pemphigus and Pemphigoid with IVIg  By Michelle Greer,
RN, MBA Michael T. Rigas, PharmD Crescent Healthcare, Inc.  “The
information provided in this article has been edited by Drs.
Jean-Claude Bystryn and Sergei Grando of the IPPF Medical
Advisory Baord. There are several companies that provided IVIG
at home. The decision to utilize IVIG at home and what company
to use, should be made between you and your treating physician.”
IVIG stands for intravenous immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulins are
also known as antibodies, which are produced by the body to
activate the immune system to attack virus and bacteria. IVIG is
a medication that is a blood product. It is made from the plasma
of thousands of carefully screened donors. 90 98% of IVIG is
made up of Immunoglobulin G (IgG.) IgG is a Y-shaped protein
that is the main antibody found in blood plasma.  Its role is to
neutralize toxins and cause bacterial and viral inactivation.
There are small amounts of other antibodies (IgA, IgE, IgM)
found in IVIG product