IVIG & Dexamethasone Question

Hi...My husband is scheduled for IVIG on 3/1/12. He will also get 50 mg of prednisone, 50 mg of benadryl and 625 mg of Tylenol in his IV.

His hema also prescribed dexamethasone for 4 days (40 mg per day) to start the same day.

He had this treatment 2 years ago and I thought for sure he took the dexa on the days PRIOR to the IVIG. I just can't remember, though. I cannot imagine taking 40 mg of dexa and then being hit with 50 mg of prednisone intraveniously within hours of each other.

Questions for anyone who has taken this treatment: When did you take the dexa in relation to the IVIG treatment?

Thanks!

Im not sure if this will help you, but, i started dexamethasone (4 day) 2 weeks ago thursday, then went to hospital with a count of 4 on the saturday, and did 2 days x 80g of ivig, while also taking 900mg of danazol a day (pred. does nothing for me).
My "hema" told me it is common for him to prescribe ivig and dex at the same time, cant help you with the prednisone though... seems like a lot to me, considering side effects of pred, and dex. but, i have no credentials.
One thing i would suggest is to find a place your husband can be left alone, the dex made my temper flare at absolutely nothing, and for no reason.
Good luck,

When I was getting the IVIG, I don't ever remember getting the Dex too. The only time I got that was the day before each of my Rituxan treatments. I don't think it was part of my pre-treatment for the IVIG.

Good luck to your husband! Keep us posted.

I don't think Dex is a definite pre-treatment protocol for IVIG - more like a preference of the particular doctor. In that case, it can be given at any time before, during or after IVIG. Giving it at the same time as Prednisone would also be preference. I'd ask the reason why he's getting double steroids and if you don't like the reason, you have the option to decline one of them.