What is PI?

Primary humoral immunodeficiencies are a collection of diseases where the body's immune system lacks certain defenses to function correctly. They are usually inherited. PI makes you less able to fight off germs so infections are one of the most common symptoms. This may include more frequent infections. They may be difficult to cure, unusually severe or caused by unusual germs. Because there are many types of infections that can happen, it can be difficult to diagnose PI.

Types of primary immunodeficiency diseases

There are a lot of types of PI–more than 400! And while they're all different, they all affect the immune system, which means it's harder for one's body to fight off infections. Types of PI include selective IgA deficiency, common variable immune deficiency (CVID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). With so many types, each with their own primary immunodeficiency symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose.

Who treats primary immunodeficiency? Your doctor. They will do primary immunodeficiency testing, but it's also important to have honest, open conversations with your doctor(s) and don't be afraid to ask questions and talk about any symptoms you may be experiencing. The more you share, the better equipped your doctor will be to help figure out what's going on with your health.

Primary immunodeficiency treatment

Treatment should boost the immune system to help the body fight infections. CUVITRU [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human)] 20% is a liquid medicine that contains immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies, which help the body fight those infections. Since it's a subcutaneous Ig treatment, which means it’s given under the skin (not intravenously), you'll use an infusion pump and a needle to infuse. Your healthcare provider will teach you and/or your caregiver how to infuse correctly when you begin treatment. Then, you or a caregiver can infuse Cuvitru at home, if you'd prefer to infuse yourself.