What causes PI?
Overview of the immune system
The immune system is an incredible collection of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that defends against a wide variety of germs every day.2
Eligible XEMBIFY patients may pay as little as $0 copay*
Eligible XEMBIFY patients may pay as little as $0 copay*
PI stands for primary humoral immunodeficiency disease. There are more than 450 different kinds of PI.1 With PI, part of your immune system, which is what protects you from infections and fights off diseases, is missing or doesn’t function properly. As a result, your body can’t protect you from germs as well as it should, so you are more likely to develop infections and be sick more often.1
PI is not contagious; you can’t catch it from someone else. PI is usually inherited, which means it is carried through the genes of your parents. If you have the disease, you might pass it along to your children, but you won’t give it to anyone else.2
If you or someone you know has PI, you know how difficult it can be. But there is good news, too. There are FDA*-approved treatment options available, as well as lots of support. If you have PI, you are certainly not alone.
*FDA, Food and Drug Administration.
Hear Joanne, a PI patient and retired registered nurse, describe her journey to getting diagnosed with PI.
The signs and symptoms of PI vary from person to person. If someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms below, encourage them to talk to their doctor. Early detection of PI can help prevent long-term problems.
If a person is experiencing recurrent and/or chronic infections, lab testing may be necessary to detect the presence of PI. The patient’s medical history and physical exam will help determine the appropriate choice of lab tests. Blood samples and DNA analysis can be used to confirm a particular diagnosis.2
The immune system is an incredible collection of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that defends against a wide variety of germs every day.2
The body’s immune system makes special proteins called antibodies
When the body detects a threat, like a germ, it needs a way to protect itself
Antibodies defend the body by attaching to the threat and signaling the body to destroy the germ
Usually, the immune system does a great job protecting the body from threats. But in people who have PI, the immune system doesn't work properly. In some cases, the immune system may not work at all. With a lower amount of antibodies, or antibodies that are not working properly, germs are more likley to get through the body's defenses.
Treatment for PI is about helping your body fight infections. It’s also about protecting you from getting infections in the first place. There are treatments available, including2:
Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, decongestants, and/or expectorants to treat symptoms
Antibiotics to treat infections and to deal with a wide range of germs that have a greater impact on people with PI
Immune globulin (IG) replacement therapy that helps the immune system fight germs
Other treatments may also be available.2
Immune globulin, or IG, is a medicine made from proteins from human plasma, taken from healthy donors, and contains purified antibodies. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains antibodies needed to keep the body healthy.
Immune globulin is given to people with PI to replace missing or ineffective proteins to help the immune system protect against germs and other threats. It is sometimes referred to as IG replacement therapy.
Two ways that IG therapy is given
Subcutaneous or SCIG
Infused just below the skin
Intravenous or IVIG
Infused through a vein, typically in the arm
If infused by IV, it is given every 3 to 4 weeks; if given subcutaneously, it can be given daily to weekly, as desired. Also, while IV infusion is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic or home, subcutaneous infusion can be self-administered conveniently at home.
XEMBIFY is a subcutaneous IG replacement therapy used to treat patients with PI who are 2 years of age and older. Learn more about infusing XEMBIFY.
Proven for PI
Learn more about how XEMBIFY has been shown to help patients living with PI.
Starting XEMBIFY
Learn about infusing XEMBIFY with this step-by-step video.
Savings and Support
Learn more about Xembify ConnexionsTM for strong support from the start.
What is XEMBIFY®?
XEMBIFY® (immune globulin subcutaneous human–klhw) is a 20% immune globulin used in the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) in patients 2 years of age and older.
XEMBIFY is for subcutaneous administration only.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: THROMBOSIS
Who should not use XEMBIFY?
What are possible serious side effects of XEMBIFY?
What are other possible side effects of XEMBIFY?
Please see full Prescribing Information for XEMBIFY.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Terms to Know
PI, primary humoral immunodeficiency disease
SCIG, subcutaneous immune globulin
References