Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin (hIVIG)
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (Human)
Also known as: Flebogamma · Gammagard · Kiovig · hIVIG · Intravenous immunoglobulin
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe immune-mediated diseases (e.g., IMT, acute polyradiculoneuritis) | 0.5-1.0 g/kg (Higher doses of up to 2.2 g/kg are used in some studies) | IV | Administered over 6-8 hours | Single infusion | 🌍 EU |
- Severe immune-mediated diseases (e.g., IMT, acute polyradiculoneuritis): Administer slowly over 6-8 hours.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin (hIVIG) is a purified blood product used for the treatment of severe immune-mediated diseases in dogs. Efficacy has been demonstrated in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) and acute canine polyradiculoneuritis.
Warning: Its use in immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) remains controversial. Use should be reserved for exceptional cases where other treatments have failed.
Clinical Pearl: In cases of IMT, the efficacy of hIVIG is comparable to that achieved with vincristine, providing a rapid rescue therapy by blocking macrophage destruction of platelets.
Mechanism of action
The drug has both immediate and long-term immunomodulatory effects, though exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated.
- Immediate effects: Binding to Fc receptors on macrophages (preventing phagocytosis of opsonized cells) and providing anti-idiotype antibodies.
- Long-term effects: Reacts with membrane receptors on T cells, B cells, and monocytes → alters immune system autoregulation, reduces autoreactivity, and induces tolerance to self.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Patients with increased plasma protein levels (hyperproteinaemia)
Adverse effects
- Anaphylactic reactions (theoretical risk, though not widely recorded in dogs)
Precautions
Handling Warning: Vials may be stored at room temperature, but once reconstituted, the solution must be used immediately.
Drug interactions
Use with care due to potential binding displacement or alterations in plasma protein dynamics
May interfere with the immune response to vaccination; use with care
Monitoring
- Plasma protein levels
- Signs of anaphylaxis during infusion
- Clinical signs of immune-mediated disease resolution (e.g., platelet counts)
Overdose
No specific overdose information is provided in the monograph. However, excessive administration may lead to severe hyperproteinaemia, hyperviscosity syndrome, and volume overload.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g vials for reconstitution
Human-labeled
- Flebogamma 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g vials
- Gammagard 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g vials
- Kiovig 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g vials
Regulatory status
Approved for human use; used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
Approved for human use; used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Vials may be stored at room temperature. Once reconstituted, must be used immediately.
Client information
Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin (hIVIG) is a specialized human blood product used as a rescue therapy for severe immune system disorders in dogs.
- It is administered as a slow intravenous drip over several hours in a hospital setting.
- While generally safe, there is a theoretical risk of allergic reactions, so your pet will be closely monitored during the infusion.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.