TABLE 4.
Example CIDP candidates for SCIg
| Potential SCIg candidate examplesa | Considerations to discuss with patient |
|---|---|
| Patient with venous access concerns | In patients requiring a port there is an added safety risk with infections and device maintenance. In most cases SCIg should be recommended rather than fitting a port |
| Patient experiencing wear‐off effects between IVIg infusions | Reducing the interval between IVIg infusions can be attempted to minimize wear‐off effects. However, weekly SCIg can be a practical solution to provide improved steady‐state IgG levels and reduce TRFs |
| Patient experiencing intolerable side effects with IVIg | Some IVIg‐related AEs can be managed with premedication. However, for most patients the frequency of systemic AEs is reduced with SCIg and premedication requirements are rare |
| Patient with scheduling and/or logistical issues attending infusion clinics | Those who live far away from their infusion facility or with demanding work/home life schedules may have options to try IVIg at home, although this still requires an HCP visit to conduct infusions. SCIg can be a practical alternative to ease logistical challenges |
| Patient desiring more independence and autonomy due to lifestyle | Once properly trained a patient can infuse SCIg in many locations including work, school, and while on vacation or travelling etc. The importance of good sterile technique and keeping detailed infusion records should be emphasized |
| Patient with comorbidities | IVIg is associated with some serious, but rare, side effects. SCIg may be considered as a preferred treatment to IVIg in patients with any existing conditions increasing their risk of renal dysfunction, TEEs, hemolysis, or aseptic meningitis. These conditions are warnings in the SCIg USPI, although their occurrence is rarer than in IVIg |
| Patient preferring to avoid risk of infection exposure during pandemics | In light of recent events with the COVID‐19 pandemic, many patients may feel more comfortable conducting their infusions independently and at home to reduce their exposure risk and limit reliance on HCP resource—Although nurse follow‐up is still required, this can be conducted via video calls or over the phone if necessary |
a
Table does not provide an exhaustive list of potential candidates, but rather highlights some of the considerations to factor in during discussions with patients.