February 12th, 2021
Re: Possible Disruptions IVIG
As per our letter from October 14th, CIPO has been advised by Canadian Blood Services that due to the drop in donations in plasma worldwide and the mounting pressure on demand for immune globulin globally, Canada is now experiencing supply challenges with certain brands and vials sizes of IVIG.
What This Means
If you are on IVIG you should not have any disruption to your treatment. If you do, please contact your prescribing physician and let us know.
Some patients on IVIG will see changes in the brand of product used. This may result in longer infusion times, due to initial slower flow rates. Some patients can also expect changes in vial sizes used, which may, or may not, cause delays in infusion time.
If you are on SCIG, you should not have any disruption to your treatment. If you do, please contact your prescribing physician and let us know.
Any patients currently being treated in hospital on IVIG, but interested in exploring home treatment via SCIG, please discuss the option with your prescribing physician.
As always, CIPO will continue to work with Canadian Blood Services, our Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, partner patient organizations to ensure that patient care and access continues.
Whitney Goulstone
Executive Director
CIPO