In case you didn’t know, October 11-17, 2015 marks the third anniversary of commemorating International Plasma Awareness Week.
Sure, you might think that it’s just another ho-hum “awareness week” but THIS one is really important and here’s why!
7 Fast Facts About Common Variable Immune Deficiency and IVIG Treatment:
- For people living with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), it’s difficult for the body to fight off disease, infection, and bacteria, etc., because they have low levels of immunoglobulins and antibodies.
- Many people, without effective treatment, have a higher risk of developing cancers and autoimmune-related diseases and respiratory infections.
- Scientists aren’t supremely sure why, but industry leaders believe that CVID has a genetic link and can affect people differently.
- While some people may have different levels of low IgG, IgA, and also IgM immunoglobulins, other people may suffer from defective genetic markers in their T-cells – which can require immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
- Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is REALLY, REALLY expensive! Depending on your health insurance, your co-pay could reach up to $2,000.00 or $20,000+ if you’re without insurance. It’s commonly known as IVIG therapy and can be administered in a specialty clinic, infusion center, or hospital setting
- Blood plasma doesn’t grow on trees! No wonder IVIG is so expensive! It’s hard to extract from blood and is a lengthy process, requiring 1000s of donors in order to make just one IVIG treatment for an infusion.
- IVIG treatment saves lives and can improve the health of people living with CVID! Yeah, all treatments have side effects. There are serious risks with IVIG therapy, but many people are able to tolerate it. Some doctors believe that the potential benefits may outweigh the risks.
So if you’re still sitting on the fence about whether you should be a blood donor or blood plasma giver, take a stand. Step up to the plate. Open your heart and let your healthcare team “pop a vein.” Help save a precious life! Sure, you might make Dracula drool, but that’s his problem, right?!
