Hi I have hit a new road block. My blood pressure increase to readings like 161/92 after my first day of treatment. My second day of treatmen was moved back three days to give my BP time to lower. I have been put on Losartan to control my pressure. I understand this is keep me from have a stroke, however my normal pressure is 120/72 and some times lowers like 112/80 or 108/72. I am now monitoring my blood pressure daily. Has anyone else had this happen?

Rita, I believe you are writing about an increase in BP during the IVIG infusion process. Usually, such an increase can be prevented or minimized by slowing down the pace of the infusion, so I just wanted to make sure that you tried that already. I'm glad you are monitoring your BP on a daily basis. That should help to identify and solve the problem. Other than that, may we gather that IVIG has been working for you during the past year-and-a-half? It would be reassuring to know, given the recent news posted in this site.

I too, had blood pressure problems after/during IVIG infusions but was put on Prednesone (a steroid) the day before treatment and the day of and the day after treatment which seemed to control it reasonably well. I hit 180/90 the day after, called my internest and he said to take the Prednesone which took care of it and the headaches. My infusion rate never exceeds 180ml/hr so it takes almost 6 hours to get my 80grams. My blood pressure is taken every 15 minutes and gets as high as 150/ 90's durning infusion which apparently isn't that alarming. I also only get the one treatment which is half of the two grams per kg of weight that most are getting. As a side note, Arturo, my hg jumped to 15.7 the day before my last infusion so I don't think I will be trying to lengthen the time between treatments anytime soon.

Hi Yes, IVIG is working for me. I still have minor attacks but nothing that requires hospitalization. Right now my max flow rate is 600... I will find out 600 what next visit. I will ask that they try slowing the rate of flow, as I really don't like the side effects of the blood pressure meds. They are slowing me down more than I like. I having been enjoying have a "normal" life. I am working fulltime and have three more classes on my MBA. I should graduate May of 2013. I know I am spending a great deal of money on a degree I may not get much use of, but it is a personal goal. I feel the new meds are getting in the way because I am finding it hard to do my school work. Take Care, Rita

My BP has also been high since I started monthly IVIG treatments November 2011. My Dr has put me on Amlodipine which has controlled my BP. Since then, I have been experiencing a swollen foot, which made me nervous assuming I may be leaking. I just found out the swelling can also be a side effect of the BP medication. I'm planning on talking to infusion therapy & also to my Dr in regards to this. Happy to say I am also returning to a "normal" lifestyle-except for apx 5-6 days b4 my next infusion. I then get very, very tired, spacey & forgetful. Take care everyone !!

Hi Rita. My husband also often gets blood pressure spikes after an infusion. For him, it's temporary and usually reverses itself. He hasn't needed to medicate for it. But, we do monitor his blood pressure daily.