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Written by Drew Doyle, RPh, Executive Vice President, Sales and Market Development at Soleo Health
If you or a loved one receives immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy, you may have heard the terms IVIG and SCIG, but what do they really mean?
The difference in how these therapies are given is similar to different routes of travel: IVIG is delivered through a vein, much like a bustling highway, allowing swift movement directly into the bloodstream. SCIG, on the other hand, is infused just under the skin, akin to a peaceful side street, providing a steady yet gentle journey through the body’s defenses.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) and SCIG (subcutaneous immunoglobulin) so you can feel more confident about your treatment choices.
When someone has an autoimmune condition, their immune system mistakenly attacks their own healthy cells, tissues, or organs.
Immunoglobulin therapies are primarily used to treat immune deficiencies and various autoimmune conditions, helping the body regulate or support its immune response.
Imagine your immune system as a security team that’s short-staffed and running on outdated equipment. Immunoglobulin therapy is like sending in a highly trained special ops team to strengthen your body’s natural defenses. In some cases, the special ops team calms down the body’s natural defenses.
Immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy provides antibodies your body needs to help fight infections or calm an overactive immune system. The healthy antibodies are donated from human plasma.
Antibodies can strengthen the immune system for people who don’t make enough of their own antibodies due to a primary immune deficiency (PID).
Ig therapy can also help calm an overactive immune response in certain autoimmune conditions, such as CIDP, MMN, ITP, Kawasaki disease, and dermatomyositis.
In both cases, Ig therapy helps restore balance in the immune system and reduces the risk of complications related to infection or inflammation.
IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) is infused directly into a vein, usually by a nurse in a clinic or sometimes at home.
Because IVIG treatment is delivered directly into your bloodstream, the infusion can take several hours.
It is typically done only once every three to four weeks.
Many people prefer the convenience of fewer treatments each month, although infusions can take longer and may cause temporary side effects, such as fatigue or headaches.
SCIG (Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin) is infused just under the skin—often in the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms using a small needle connected to a pump.
Depending on the prescribed dose, treatment may involve one or multiple infusion sites during a session.
This method allows you to self-administer treatments at home after proper training.
Because the medication absorbs slowly, it provides steady protection and may cause fewer whole-body side effects for some patients.
For instance, you might fit a session in on a quiet Sunday evening between brunch and watching your favorite football game, offering much greater flexibility.
The decision between IVIG and SCIG is typically based on patient-specific factors rather than meaningful differences in overall effectiveness.
IVIG treatment results in higher antibody levels immediately after infusion, which gradually decline before the next session.
SCIG treatment may provide more stable antibody levels due to smaller, more frequent doses.
Not all immunoglobulin therapies are available in both IVIG and SCIG forms.
Some products are formulated only for IV use (IVIG); these have a different composition and concentration that make them safe for intravenous infusion only.
Others are formulated only for subcutaneous use (SCIG); they’re more concentrated and designed to be absorbed slowly under the skin.
A few products are approved for both IVIG and SCIG administration, but that’s less common.
The ease of IVIG versus SCIG varies from person to person. Each method has its own process, schedule, and unique considerations.
Individuals may find one approach more manageable than the other depending on their specific needs, comfort level, and daily routine.
Your care team can help you understand what to expect from both options, so you can determine which one may best fit your situation.
IVIG treatments are typically given every 3–4 weeks and take about 2–6 hours per session.
SCIG treatments are usually administered weekly and take about 1–2 hours, though both the timing and number of infusion sites may vary based on your prescribed dose.
Yes. Many patients are able to self-administer SCIG at home after receiving proper training from a healthcare professional. This can offer added flexibility and independence for some individuals.
Yes. Research shows that both IVIG and SCIG treatments are effective in preventing infections and supporting immune health.
The choice between them is usually based on individual factors such as lifestyle, dosing needs, and personal comfort with the administration method.
Switching is often possible, but it must be guided by your prescriber and depends on several factors:
If you transition to SCIG, the total monthly immunoglobulin amount typically remains the same but is divided into smaller, more frequent doses to maintain steady levels.
A nurse or specialty pharmacy clinician will provide training on self-infusion and help adjust your regimen during the transition.
Both IVIG and SCIG deliver immunoglobulin into the body. Immunoglobulins circulate and support the immune system.
While both treatments are effective, they differ in how they’re administered and how quickly they take effect.
For people with immune deficiencies, it provides necessary antibodies. For autoimmune conditions, it helps regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
In this step-by-step video, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently administer your subcutaneous immunoglobulin (IG) infusion at home. From preparing your medication and supplies to setting up your pump and completing your infusion, our video guides you through the entire process to help you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
See the Transcript
Patients with complex conditions deserve a seamless, supported, and personalized immunoglobulin (IG) therapy journey. At Soleo Health, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to ensure every patient receives the right therapy, in the right setting, with the support they need every step of the way.
From referral through ongoing treatment, our team is dedicated to removing barriers and simplifying care:
Soleo Health delivers IG therapy in the setting that best fits each patient’s needs, lifestyle, and clinical requirements:
Our national network and expert care teams make it possible to deliver high-quality IG therapy wherever patients are most comfortable.