Injection, Immune Globulin, (Gamunex-C/GammaKed), Non-Lyophilized (e.g., Liquid), 500 mg (J1561)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Immune Globulin Injection, Gamunex-C, Gammaked
• Medical Term: Injection, immune globulin, non-lyophilized, 500 mg (HCPCS Code: J1561)

Summary

This procedure involves injecting a solution of immune globulin, a protein that helps the body fight infections, into a patient’s bloodstream. The injection is used to boost or replace the immune system's natural antibodies when they are in low supply or not functioning correctly.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Primary immune deficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Kawasaki disease, and immune thrombocytopenia.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: Enhance immune response, decrease infection risk, improve neurological function, and prevent bleeding in immune thrombocytopenia.

Indications

• Patients with primary immune deficiencies
• Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Children with Kawasaki disease
• Adults with immune thrombocytopenia not responding to other treatments

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • Consult with your doctor about current medications.
  • You might need to fast for a certain period before the procedure.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Blood tests to determine baseline antibody levels and rule out active infections.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is comfortably seated or lying down.
2. A healthcare professional disinfects the injection site, usually a vein in the arm.
3. Using a sterile needle, the immune globulin solution is injected slowly into the bloodstream.
4. The injection may take from several minutes to an hour, depending on the dose.
5. The patient is monitored for any adverse reactions during and shortly after the procedure.

• Tools/Equipment: Sterile needle, syringe prefilled with immune globulin solution, antiseptic wipes.
• Anesthesia: Not typically required, although topical analgesics or patient comfort measures may be used.

Duration

The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours including preparation and monitoring time.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Hospital
• Infusion center

Personnel

• Nurse or trained healthcare professional administering the injection
• Physician overseeing the procedure

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain), headache, fever, fatigue.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, kidney dysfunction, blood clots.

Benefits

• Reduced frequency and severity of infections
• Improved quality of life for patients with immune deficiencies
• Stabilization and improvement of neurological function in CIDP
• Prevention of bleeding in patients with immune thrombocytopenia

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Stay hydrated, monitor for any adverse reactions, take it easy for the rest of the day.
• Expected Recovery Time: Most patients can resume normal activities within a day. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor response and make adjustments.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Oral or subcutaneous immune globulin
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressive treatments
• Pros and Cons:
  • Oral/subcutaneous options may be less invasive but might not be as effective or fast-acting.
  • Immunosuppressive treatments can have more severe side effects but might be necessary for certain conditions.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Mild discomfort or pain at the injection site; possible feelings of cold or warmth as the solution enters the bloodstream.
• Post-procedure: Patients may feel fatigue or minor side effects like headache or nausea. Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relief and staying hydrated.