CVID Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Know

When your body can’t make enough antibodies to fight off infections, you’re dealing with common variable immunodeficiency, a primary immune disorder where the body fails to produce sufficient antibodies, leading to frequent and severe infections. Also known as CVID, it’s one of the most common primary immunodeficiencies in adults, often diagnosed between ages 20 and 40. People with CVID get sick more often than others—sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and gut infections are common. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term lung damage, autoimmune diseases, or even certain cancers.

The cornerstone of CVID treatment, a lifelong therapy that replaces the missing antibodies to help the body defend against infections is immunoglobulin therapy, intravenous or subcutaneous infusions of purified antibodies collected from healthy donors. This isn’t a cure, but it’s the most effective way to reduce infection frequency and severity. Most patients get infusions every 3 to 4 weeks. Some prefer weekly subcutaneous shots at home—it’s less invasive and gives more stable antibody levels. The key? Starting early. Delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent organ damage.

But immunoglobulin isn’t the whole story. Many people with CVID also need antibiotics—sometimes long-term—to keep infections in check. If you’ve had repeated lung infections, your doctor might recommend pulmonary rehab or regular chest scans. Gut problems? You might need testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or gluten sensitivity. And if your immune system starts attacking your own body—like your blood cells or joints—you’ll need additional drugs to calm that down. It’s not just about replacing antibodies; it’s about managing the ripple effects.

What doesn’t work? Vaccines. Most people with CVID don’t respond to standard vaccines like flu or pneumonia shots because their immune system can’t build memory. That’s why prevention isn’t about shots—it’s about avoiding sick people, washing hands, and staying on schedule with your infusions. No supplements, no herbal fixes, no special diets will fix the root problem. Only antibody replacement does.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on managing infections, understanding treatment side effects, and spotting complications early. These aren’t theoretical—they’re written by people who’ve lived with CVID, or doctors who treat it daily. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been on therapy for years, there’s something here that will help you take better control.