IVIG for Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) is a group of disorders in which part of the immune system is absent or functions inadequately, leading to frequent or persistent infections. MedRx Infusion dispenses immune globulin replacement therapy for PI, delivers it with supplies at no charge, and can send a skilled nurse from an accredited nursing agency to administer it at home.
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What is primary immunodeficiency?
Primary immunodeficiency comprises a group of disorders, many of them inherited, in which a component of the immune system is missing or does not function adequately. PI is not contagious and can present at any age. Patients may have recurrent or persistent infections that respond poorly to treatment.
The most common forms are antibody deficiencies, in which the body does not produce enough functional antibodies (immunoglobulins). Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of them.
MedRx Infusion Clinical Pharmacy is a home infusion and specialty pharmacy serving patients in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Therapy starts with a referral from the prescriber's office.
Treatment of primary immunodeficiency
Treatment depends on the type of PI and is directed by the prescriber. It can include:
- antibiotics to treat infections
- immune globulin replacement therapy, which supplies the IgG antibodies the body does not make in sufficient amounts
- for some types, hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation or gene therapy
Immune globulin replacement is given by one of two routes:
- Intravenous (IVIG): infused into a vein by a nurse. See IVIG at home.
- Subcutaneous (SCIG): infused under the skin with a small pump; after training, the patient or a caregiver can administer it. See SCIG at home.
Each immune globulin listed under "Medications we fill" below is FDA-approved for PI; for Octagam, the 5% formulation.
How home immune globulin therapy works
- The prescriber's office sends a referral: the Immunoglobulin Referral Form (PDF), with recent clinical notes and laboratory results, by fax, or a call.
- MedRx's intake team verifies insurance benefits and obtains prior authorization when the plan requires it.
- The prescriber specifies the product, or asks the MedRx pharmacist to select the brand.
- Medication and supplies, including needles, tubing and an infusion pump as the regimen requires, are delivered to the patient's door at no charge. Next-day delivery is available; timing varies by location.
- A skilled, trusted and licensed nurse from an accredited nursing agency administers IVIG, or trains the patient or caregiver to administer SCIG, monitoring vital signs and adverse reactions. The prescriber's order includes medications for the management of anaphylaxis.
- A MedRx pharmacist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MedRx's pharmacy team includes Ig Certified Pharmacists (IgCP), who hold a specialty certification in immune globulin therapy.
Insurance and cost
Health plans commonly require prior authorization for immune globulin. MedRx's intake team verifies coverage and works with the prescriber's office on the documentation before the first delivery. Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy depends on the medication, the plan and the patient's clinical need.
Where out-of-pocket costs are a barrier, MedRx helps patients find and apply for copay assistance, grants and other financial aid. The manufacturers of the immune globulins MedRx dispenses also run patient support programs, named on each medication page.
Key facts
- Organization
- MedRx Infusion Clinical Pharmacy
- What we do
- A home infusion pharmacy and specialty pharmacy, with infusion nurses who visit patients at home and a pharmacist on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Where
- Pharmacy at 417 N Oak St, Inglewood, CA 90302. Licensed in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. See every place we serve
- Accreditation
- URAC (Specialty Pharmacy) and ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care).
- Phone, 24 hours
- (844) 671-2600
- Fax
- (844) 671-2601
Accurate as of
Questions about primary immunodeficiency
01What is primary immunodeficiency?
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) is a group of disorders, many of them inherited, in which part of the immune system is absent or functions inadequately. Patients typically have frequent or persistent infections that can be difficult to treat.
02How is primary immunodeficiency diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the medical and family history, a physical examination and blood tests, including immunoglobulin levels and the antibody response to vaccines.
03Is primary immunodeficiency contagious?
No. PI is not transmitted from person to person; some forms are inherited.
04What are the treatment options for primary immunodeficiency?
Treatment depends on the type of PI. It can include antibiotics for infections and immune globulin replacement for antibody deficiencies; some forms are treated with stem cell transplantation or gene therapy. The prescriber directs the choice.
05Can immune globulin for PI be given at home?
Yes, when the prescriber agrees. A skilled nurse from an accredited nursing agency can administer IVIG at home, or train the patient or caregiver to give SCIG. MedRx delivers the medication and supplies at no charge.
06Which immune globulins for PI does MedRx dispense?
Gammagard Liquid, Gamunex-C, Octagam, Panzyga and Privigen, given intravenously, and Hizentra, Xembify and HyQvia, given subcutaneously. Gammagard Liquid and Gamunex-C can also be given subcutaneously.
07Does insurance cover immune globulin for PI?
Coverage depends on the plan and the product; many plans require prior authorization. MedRx's intake team verifies benefits before the first delivery and helps patients look for copay assistance.
Medications we fill
We fill Gammagard Liquid, Gamunex-C, Octagam, Panzyga, Privigen, Hizentra, Xembify and HyQvia.
Each has its own page: what it is approved for, how it is given, and how to start. See every medication we fill.
Read more about home infusion nursing and allergy and immunology medications.
Send a referral
Intake handles benefits investigation, prior authorization and scheduling.
Send a referralFax
(844) 671-2601
Send a completed referral form