How does gamma globulin help myositis?
Gamma globulin (also known as immunoglobulin) is used to treat patients with a variety of connective tissue disorders. It is given intravenously – also known as IV or into the vein. In some patients, it is quite effective; in others, it does not provide any improvement. Gamma globulin is one of the safest treatments available to myositis patients. However, it may cause such side effects as severe headaches, fever, and chills. Doctors don’t know exactly why gamma globulin works. And they can’t predict whether it will be successful for a given individual. When gamma globulin works, it works rapidly. It may allow patients to lower dosages of other medications. But it is very costly, cumbersome, and time consuming to administer. (See Education Programs for a special HSS program – our Infusion Therapy Unit that enables you to have IV gamma globulin on an outpatient basis, without hospitalization.) There is no rigid protocol for administering gamma globulin, and all doctors do not use it in
