Get the latest information on CIDP, patient stories, and tips, tools, and resources.
Once you are diagnosed with CIDP, you can start to assemble your care team, choose the best management option for you, and start setting your management goals.
CIDP=chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
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CIDP Management
Recently diagnosed with CIDP? Now's the time to partner with your doctors and figure out what comes next. Part of that partnership includes creating a CIDP management plan that's specific to you.
Your CIDP management plan may include medication, non-medication, additional specialists, or lifestyle changes:
Physical therapy & occupational therapy
Your doctor may recommend that you start a program of therapy with a specialist and can advise on how often you go. Strengthening and endurance exercises, along with yoga, can improve balance and mobility in affected areas of the body, as well as help maintain range of motion in those same areas.
Regular exercise
You may also find it helpful to perform regular low-impact exercises. To get used to any new activity, you may want to start off slowly, with shorter sessions or lighter exercises, taking breaks as needed, and work your way up to the length and intensity of workout your doctor recommends. Doing so may help reduce fatigue and increase endurance over time. Work with your doctor to customize an exercise regimen that’s right for you.
MEDICATION TREATMENT TYPES OVERVIEW
CIDP treatment can take place at an infusion center, hospital, doctor’s office, or your home. If you’ve previously received or are currently on any type of treatment for CIDP, it’s important to make note of how you feel, any reactions, and how your body is responding. Treatment options for CIDP may include:
Immunoglobulin
Immune globulin (IG) is given either by intravenous infusion (IVIG), meaning it is given with a needle that’s inserted into a vein, or subcutaneously (SubQ IG), meaning it’s given with a needle that’s inserted into the fatty tissue just under the skin.
| Types | Frequency* | Average Infusion Time✝ |
Mode | Location | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IVIG |
Every 3 or 4 weeks |
~2 to 4 hours | IV (intravenous) |
Home, Doctor’s Office, Hospital, Specialized Infusion Center |
Explore one treatment option |
|
Subcutaneous IG |
Weekly or every 2, 3, or 4 weeks |
~2 hours | Subcutaneous |
Home, Doctor’s Office, Hospital, Specialized Infusion Center |
Explore one treatment option |
Dosing frequency may vary by brand; please see respective patient information for more
✝Infusion times may vary based on frequency, dose, volume, number of needlesticks, and tolerability
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids (oral or intravenous) are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including common allergies—and CIDP. They work by reducing immune system activity and are usually given in higher doses at first that decrease over time.
| Types | Frequency* | Average Infusion Time✝ |
Mode | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Corticosteroids |
Talk with your doctor |
N/A |
Oral or IV (intravenous) |
Home |
N/A=not applicable
Dosing frequency may vary by brand; please see respective patient information for more
✝Infusion times may vary based on frequency, dose, volume, number of needlesticks, and tolerability
Plasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) involves removing whole blood from the body, separating plasma (which contains unhealthy antibodies) from blood cells, and replacing the plasma with another fluid that is then returned to the body.
| Types | Frequency* | Average Infusion Time✝ |
Mode | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Plasmapheresis |
Variable depending on individual circumstances. Talk to your doctor. There are no established protocols. |
IV (intravenous) | Specialized Infusion Center | |
Dosing frequency may vary by brand; please see respective patient information for more
✝Infusion times may vary based on frequency, dose, volume, number of needlesticks, and tolerability
To understand more about your future with CIDP, download the My CIDP Journey Brochure.
Keep your doctor up to date on your symptoms and how you feel while taking your medication. Your doctor will work with you to make any needed adjustments, and it's important not to stop your management on your own.
Download the CIDP symptom tracker to take note of your symptoms and how you feel over time. It may help you have clearer conversations with your care team.
CIDP is a complex disease, meaning that managing it can be tricky. The typical first step of your CIDP journey will be getting an appropriate diagnosis and creating a plan with your doctor that includes different types of management.
Having a well-rounded management plan may help improve your CIDP symptoms.
Different approaches to management can include:
To make the most of life with
CIDP
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
(how to say it: krah-nuhk in-flah-muh-tur-ee dee-MY-uh-luh-nay-ting pah-lee-nur-AH-puh-thee)
Definition:
A rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing sensory loss and weakness associated with loss of reflexes.
See more glossary terms
, it's important to have a support system. This includes building a team of healthcare professionals that's right for you and your needs.
Your healthcare team may include:
Be sure to communicate with your team on a regular basis.
Your CIDP management plan might change over time, depending on your symptoms and current needs. It's a good idea to have ongoing conversations with your healthcare team about what's working for you, as well as what's not working.
No matter where you are in your CIDP journey, your partner care team will be available to answer any questions you may have. It’s a good idea to keep in touch with them and talk about what’s working for you—and what isn’t.
Your doctor can help you with advice on foot care, exercise, diet, driving, and overall lifestyle management. They may also recommend physical and/or occupational therapy to help with mobility. You can also talk to your doctor or other members of your partner care team about psychological support or patient support groups.
If you have questions, make sure to write them down before each appointment. During the appointment, you should also ask for the best way to contact your team members with questions (over the phone or via online portal).
People with CIDP often experience tingling or pins-and-needles sensation.
Hover over image for a fast fact about CIDP
Tap image for a fast fact about CIDP
If you have a management plan for your CIDP or are ready to make one, take some time to ask your care team about expectations. This will help you prepare for the road ahead or assess whether your goals are being met.
To help you make the most of your doctor visits, we've created a checklist of topics to discuss.
DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST
As a caregiver, you see how your loved one is doing over time. Be sure to note any changes in their abilities to complete a task such as tying their shoelaces or opening a bottle. Speak to both your loved one and their care team about these changes, as it may be an indicator that an adjustment in treatment is needed.
KNOW
WHERE TO FIND A Neurologist
Finding a neurologist is the first step to a correct diagnosis and an appropriate management plan. It's important to advocate for yourself until you find the neurologist who is right for you.
FIND A Neurologist
Get the latest information on CIDP.
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