IVIG Therapy
IVIG therapy is immunological treatment typically used by fertility patients who have recurrent pregnancy loss or multiple implantation failures from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It is a fairly advanced therapy and typically encountered after or alongside numerous other implantation enhancing therapies. IVIG therapy is thought to repress a woman’s immune system, which may be attacking the embryo or fetus, mistaking it for a foreign body.
IVIG is made up of human antibodies, derived from washed and processed donor blood. It is not clear exactly how IVIG works, but studies suggest that it may reduce the amount of natural killer (NK) cells in the body, and/or may absorb or block a woman’s antibodies, which are causing the body to attack the pregnancy.
Women who have tested positive for natural killer cells and have experienced multiple miscarriages or implantation failures may opt for the use of IVIG therapy to increase their chance of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term.
IVIG Treatment Overview
During a treatment session, IVIG is introduced to the body very slowly through an intravenous drip in the arm, possibly taking several hours. It is recommended that IVIG be administered prior to embryo transfer and then two additional times following a positive pregnancy test.
ASRM Suggestions
Currently, ASRM suggests that IVIG therapy be considered experimental treatment because studies have reported inconclusive results on the positive effects of IVIG therapy for recurrent pregnancy loss patients.
Cost of IVIG Therapy
The primary cost of IVIG therapy is the cost of the medication itself. As of March 2023, we understand IVIG costs roughly $110 per gram, with clients needing an average of 20Gms for a total medication cost of around $2200. The nursing/infusion/administration costs can be submitted to insurance; however, IVIG therapy is seldom covered by insurance.
Please note medications are billed for and paid to medications directly, and that CNY Fertility has no control over the cost of IVIG. We are providing the above information strictly for educational purposes with the hope that some estimate is better than none.
