Is home infusion safe for immunoglobulin therapy? What patients should know

Whether you've just been prescribed immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy, or you've been getting it at a clinic and you’re considering switching to infusion therapy at home or another site, you may be asking: Is this actually safe?

The short answer is yes. Home infusion for Ig therapy has been studied for decades, and the research consistently shows outcomes equal to in-clinic treatment, with fewer hospital visits and better long-term adherence to the treatment schedule. 

Licensed nurses oversee the safety of every infusion, whether it happens in a clinic or in your living room. Here's what that actually looks like, and what to expect if you're considering a change.

What is immunoglobulin therapy and who is it for? 

Immunoglobulin is a protein taken from the donated plasma of thousands of healthy donors and given to patients whose immune systems can’t produce enough antibodies on their own (referred to as primary immunodeficiency) , or whose immune systems are mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. 

It's used to treat primary immunodeficiency, as well as conditions like CIDP, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), myasthenia gravis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Is home infusion actually as safe as the clinic?

Leap sends a trained, licensed infusion nurse to you. You are not administering an IV to yourself, and you are never left to manage a reaction on your own. The same safety protocols that apply in a clinic also apply at home, such as: 

• Checking your vitals.
• Watching for reactions.
• Following your specific infusion plan.

With immunoglobulin therapy, many patients seek to reduce their exposure to potential infection, making in-home care a potentially safer alternative to a hospital setting. If your immune system is already compromised, sitting in a shared infusion suite next to other patients, some of whom may be receiving treatment for an active infection, is a risk you may want to discuss with your provider. 

If your treatment carries a higher risk of reaction on the first dose, your care team will start you in a monitored setting, then transition you home once you've tolerated it well. 

Once you're home, that monitoring doesn't stop. Your nurse stays with you throughout the infusion, and Leap's clinical support is available 24/7 if anything comes up after they leave.

What happens during treatment?

Ig therapy comes in two forms:

• IV (intravenous) immunoglobulin, or IVIG, delivers a larger dose over a shorter window but has to be given by a healthcare provider. Depending on your condition, an IVIG session can run several hours, and some immunodeficient patients need back-to-back sessions on consecutive days every three to four weeks. It's a real time commitment, which is exactly why Leap offers evening and weekend home scheduling.
• Subcutaneous (SCIG) immunoglobulin is injected just under the skin, usually weekly, in smaller doses. Once your nurse trains you, many patients learn to self-administer it, which means more independence and fewer scheduled visits altogether.

Your prescriber decides which one is right for you based on your diagnosis, your veins, your schedule, and other clinical factors. Either way, your Leap Care Guide will walk you through exactly what to expect before the first dose.

What if you have a reaction?

Most patients tolerate Ig therapy well. When side effects happen, they're typically mild and can include headaches, fatigue, or mild nausea. Your nurse is trained to watch for side effects or any adverse reaction and respond appropriately. 

Premedication (medication given before the infusion to head off common side effects) and a slower infusion rate are both standard tools your nurse can use if you're sensitive to treatment. 

A reaction at home is handled the same way it would be handled in a clinic. Your nurse is there to respond and is trained to follow a clinical protocol built for exactly this situation.

Who's actually on your care team

With Leap, two different people support you, and it helps to know the difference:

• Your Leap Infusion Care Team is your single point of contact for everything around the infusion, such as scheduling, coordinating with your prescriber, working with the pharmacy on your medication, and answering questions you may have about your infusion.
• Your infusion nurse is the licensed clinician who comes to your home, administers your treatment, and manages your safety during the infusion itself.

Between the two of them, you’ll be well supported throughout the process. 

What stays the same

Leap’s benefit sits within your current treatment plan. Your prescriber (or doctor) stays in charge of your treatment plan and your medication. Your insurance plan, your ID card, and your coverage don't change either. What changes is where you sit while it happens, and how much of your day you get back.

What patients say

"Having my Care Guide made things so much less complicated. It's taken the stress off me and my family. Less to worry about with insurance and scheduling." — Leap Member, 2026

Leap data analysis reveals that members report a 92 NPS and 98% satisfaction with their care, and most start treatment in under two weeks from referral. On average, patients save about three hours per infusion they no longer have to spend traveling to and sitting in a clinic.

Do you think at-home infusion therapy is right for you? Check to see if you’re eligible for Leap.