A new treatment option at Redlands Satellite Health Centre is giving local patients more flexibility in how they receive critical immunoglobulin treatment.
The Cancer Day Unit is offering Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy to eligible patients as part of a new model of care that reduces the need for hospital visits.
Clinical Nurse Ashley Fortune said SCIg offered a convenient alternative to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy.
“Immunoglobulin therapy supports people whose immune systems don’t produce enough antibodies to fight infection,” she said. “It’s made from donated human plasma; the treatment is traditionally delivered in hospital through a drip into a vein (IVIg).
“SCIg can be administered by patients at home (after training), which means people can continue treatment without coming into hospital every few weeks,” she said. “It’s providing flexibility and more control over when and where they receive their treatment.”
Ashley said the treatment option had been well received by patients.
“It’s less invasive than IVIg, and patients tell us they feel more comfortable and in control,” she said.