Key takeaways
- Privigen (human immunoglobulin G) is a prescription drug used to treat certain immune system conditions. The drug comes as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
- Privigen’s prescribed dosage varies based on an individual’s treatment plan. This includes factors such as their body weight, medical history, and the condition they’re receiving the drug to treat. Your doctor will adjust your dosage over time to find the right amount for you.
- Privigen has boxed warnings for the risk of blood clots and kidney problems, so it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting treatment. Your doctor may perform kidney function tests before and during your treatment with this medication.
The active ingredient in Privigen is human immunoglobulin G. It belongs to a group of drugs called immune globulins.
Privigen’s dosing schedule varies depending on which condition it’s being used to treat. See the “Privigen dosages by condition” section for more information.
This article describes the dosages of Privigen, its strength, and how it’s administered.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Privigen and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The recommended dosage in milligrams (mg) or grams (g) of Privigen depends on the condition being treated and your body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference: 1,000 mg equals 1 g, and 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
The following table highlights the basics of Privigen’s dosage.
| Condition | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) | 1 g/kg for 2 consecutive days |
| chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) | loading dosage: 2 g/kg in divided doses over 2 to 5 consecutive days maintenance dosage: 1 g/kg given in 1 to 2 infusions on consecutive days, every 3 weeks |
| primary immunodeficiency (PI) | 200 to 800 mg/kg every 3 to 4 weeks |
Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, they may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
Privigen form
Privigen comes as a liquid solution given as an IV infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
Privigen strength
Privigen is available in one strength of 0.1 g per milliliter (mL) of solution.
Privigen is approved to treat the following conditions:
- chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults and children ages 15 years and older
- chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults
- primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and children ages 3 years and older
The prescribed Privigen dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from receiving your infusions.
Dosage for chronic ITP
The typical Privigen dosage for adults with chronic ITP is 1 g/kg for 2 consecutive days.
The initial rate of infusion is 0.5 mg/kg per minute (min). This may be slowly increased to the maintenance infusion rate of 4 mg/kg/min, as long as it’s well tolerated.
Dosage for CIDP
Adults with CIDP will start Privigen treatment with a loading dose of 2 g/kg. This will be divided into doses that are given over 2 to 5 consecutive days.
After that, the maintenance dosage of Privigen is 1 g/kg administered every 3 weeks. (This will either be given in 1 day or divided into 2 doses given on consecutive days.)
The initial rate of infusion is 0.5 mg/kg per minute (min). If the infusion is well tolerated, the infusion rate may be slowly increased to a maximum of 8 mg/kg/min.
Dosage for PI
For adults with PI, the typical dosage of Privigen is 200 to 800 mg/kg every 3 to 4 weeks.
The initial rate of infusion is 0.5 mg/kg per minute (min). If the infusion is well tolerated, the infusion rate may be slowly increased to a maximum of 8 mg/kg/min.
NOTE: If your doctor is prescribing Privigen to treat any of these conditions, they’ll determine the dosages for your individual treatment plan.
Privigen is used to treat PI in children ages 3 years and older and chronic ITP in children ages 15 years and older.
The dosage of Privigen for children is the same as the dosage for that same condition in adults. See the previous section for more details.
For more information about Privigen’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Privigen is given as an IV infusion. A healthcare professional will give you the infusion in a hospital, clinic, or at home.
How long do you take Privigen?
The length of time you’ll receive Privigen infusions depends on certain factors, including the condition you’re receiving the drug to treat, whether you’re experiencing bothersome side effects, and how your condition responds to the drug.
For many people, Privigen is a long-term treatment. Your doctor will determine your individual treatment plan, including how long you’ll receive Privigen infusions.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.