Adverse reactions have not been a serious problem. Immunoglobulin A deficiency is a contraindication. There may be renal toxicity in patients with prior renal dysfunction. Soueidan,S.A, Dalakas,M.C. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of inclusion body myositis. 4 of a total of 10 patients who ultimately remitted on prednisone alone also relapsed.
Major benefit seems to be in regard to rate of recovery.
Matsubara,S, Sawa,Y, Takamori,M. et al. Pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone combined with oral steroids as the initial treatment of inflammatory myopathies. Further gradual reduction should then be continued with monthly decrements of 10 mg to 50 mg on alternating days, then with monthly decrements of 5 mg to 25 mg on alternating days, then with monthly decrements of 2.5 mg to zero. If relapse occurs during this long tapering period, the dose should be raised to one or several previous higher levels and reduction tried again in a few months. The daily medication should be given in a single dose.