Immunoglobulin products in clinical practice

Clinical use of immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin (Ig) treatment improves the quality of life for some patients with immune system disorders and immune-mediated conditions. In some cases, it can even save lives.

Manufacturers make Ig products from donated plasma (the fluid part of human blood). This means Ig products are a limited and precious resource.

We carefully manage Australia's Ig products to ensure there is an adequate, secure and affordable supply for Australians who need them.

Learn more about how we manage immunoglobulin supply.

Access to immunoglobulin products

Like other blood products, Ig products are available at no direct cost to patients under the national blood arrangements. But to ensure treatments go to those most likely to benefit, we manage access to Ig products through a governance framework.

This includes strict eligibility rules and our 'Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia'.

View the clinical access criteria(Opens in a new tab/window).

Learn more about how we manage and update the criteria.

Find out more about our governance framework and National Immunoglobulin Governance Program.

Information for health professionals

Ig products must be directed to patients who:

• are most likely to benefit from Ig therapy
• have no other safe and effective alternative treatments.

Health professionals must prescribe Ig based on clinical need, appropriate clinical practice and using the lowest effective dose for each patient.

Ig products are generally used across 4 clinical disciplines:

• haematology
• immunology
• neurology
• transplant medicine.

Get in touch

For more information about the use of Ig in clinical practice in Australia, contact us.

Phone: 1300 025 663 (13 000 BLOOD)

Email: IgGovernance@blood.gov.au