Primary Immunodeficiency

The immune system acts to protect the body against infection. These infections may be due to various forms of living entities, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The immune system uses lymphocytes (or other types of white blood cells) and immunoglobulins (or antibodies) to fight these foreign invaders.

In immune deficiency, one or more parts of the immune system fail to work. If a person is born with this condition it is called primary immunodeficiency (PI). People with primary immune deficiency have difficulty fighting off infections due to inadequate antibody production.

If a person's body lacks immunoglobulin or can benefit from a temporary increase of it, a replacement immunoglobulin can be given. This replacement immunoglobulin has been extracted from donated human plasma (the liquid portion of blood). When a person is given a replacement immunoglobulin, it is called immunoglobulin therapy or immunotherapy for short.

For more information on these products, please click on the links below.

Carimune® NF
Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)

Warning: Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (IGIV) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death. See boxed warning and the PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section of Full prescribing information for Carimune® NF for important information intended to reduce the risk of acute renal failure.

To learn more about Vivaglobin^®, please visit www.Vivaglobin.com
Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human)

For your convenience, below are links to other sites you may find helpful for expanding your understanding of Primary immunodeficiency.

Immune Deficiency Foundation (www.primaryimmune.org)

International Patient Organization for Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies (www.ipopi.org)

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation (www.jmfworld.com)