With any medication, there are associated risks and benefits
Treatments for CIDP are no different. Take a look at some CIDP treatment options that may improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about which treatment may be right for you.
CIDP treatment options
IVIG1,2
IVIG, or intravenous immune globulin, is a therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. IVIG is made from antibodies that come from donated human plasma. It provides antibodies to block the immune and inflammatory processes that attack and destroy myelin. However, how IVIG works to help treat CIDP is not fully known.
Corticosteroids3,4
They imitate the effects of hormones that are produced by the body to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They work by exceeding the body’s natural levels of steroids to help suppress the immune system. However, how corticosteroids work to help treat CIDP is not fully known.
Plasmapheresis5
Plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange, is a procedure that removes proteins from your blood, including proteins that cause disease, and then returns your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets back into your circulation.
Immunosuppressants (various drugs that regulate your immune system)1,6
They help suppress the strength of the body’s immune system. Although there is no agreement on their efficacy, your doctor may consider these when the response to corticosteroids, IVIG, or plasmapheresis is inadequate or if these treatments cannot be used. They prevent cells of your immune system from functioning so that your immune system cannot attack your body tissues. However, how immunosuppressants work to help treat CIDP is not fully known.
Supportive treatments
Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist to help you recondition your muscles to improve muscle strength, function, and mobility, or to an occupational therapist to help you learn new ways of doing everyday tasks despite physical limitations.7
Learn more about CIDP
Community and organizations
Have questions or need support? There are groups out there to help you find the answers you’re looking for when dealing with symptoms.
Symptom survey
Curious if your symptoms could be CIDP? Take this survey and discuss the results with your doctor.
What to expect with CIDP
CIDP may progress over time. It is treatable but there is also the possibility of relapse.
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References
- Koski CL. CIDP: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. Narberth, PA: GBS/CIDP Foundation International; 2012.
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. National Institutes of Health website. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000777.htm. Accessed November 18, 2022.
- Corticosteroid (oral route, parenteral route). Mayo Clinic website. http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/corticosteroid-oral-route-parenteral-route/description/drg-20070491?p=1. Accessed November 18, 2022.
- Steroids. NHS Choices website. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corticosteroid-(drugs)/pages/introduction.aspx. Accessed November 18, 2022.
- Plasmapheresis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Managing-Relapses/Plasmapheresis. Accessed November 18, 2022.
- Treating lupus with immunosuppressive medications. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-treatment/lupus-medications/immunosuppressive-medications/. Accessed November 18, 2022.
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. University of Rochester Medical Center website. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=210. Accessed November 18, 2022.