IgG4-RD FAQs

IgG4-RD is a rare, lifelong condition that causes inflammation and damage. Understanding how organ damage can cause symptoms is important in the timely diagnosis of IgG4-RD. It can affect many different organs, and even multiple organs at the same time. Most patients are men between 50 to 70 years old; however, IgG4-RD can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. For more information, visit What Is IgG4-RD?

Symptoms can vary depending on which organs are affected. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, problems with digestion, dry eyes, fatigue, or shortness of breath, among others. Visit the Symptom identifier to learn more.

To test for an IgG4-RD diagnosis, your doctor may take blood work, tissue samples, and x-rays or other scans. Visit the Diagnosis page to learn more.

IgG4-RD is a rare condition that was only recently recognized. Some doctors may not be familiar with it. Symptoms of IgG4-RD can mimic other diseases, and depending on which organs are affected, different patients may experience different symptoms. Visit the Diagnosis page to learn more, and view the Symptom identifier to see what IgG4-RD symptoms can look like.

Patients with IgG4-RD need to follow their treatment plans carefully. This can include medications to help reduce inflammation and immune system reactions. Regular checkups are important to monitor for changes in the disease and any necessary changes in your treatment plan. Visit Treatment goals for more information.

IgG4-RD can cause flares that can impact different organs, and there’s no way to predict when or where the next flare might be. Organs that can be affected by IgG4-RD are the pancreas, bile ducts, salivary and lacrimal glands, kidneys, and lymph nodes, among others. Understanding the symptoms of IgG4-RD is important in the timely diagnosis of IgG4-RD.

IgG4-RD is a rare disease, but resources are available for you to get help with diagnosis and treatment. You don’t have to fight this alone. Several advocacy and support groups exist that can help you as you navigate your journey. While Amgen does not own or control these groups, and Amgen is not responsible for their content, you may find their resources helpful. Learn more about them here.

Everyone with IgG4-RD has a story to tell, and hearing about other patients' experiences can be helpful and encouraging. Living with IgG4-RD may be challenging and even overwhelming. Hear from real patients who stayed strong and were determined to get answers and help. They spoke up, got diagnosed, and got the treatment they needed. Listen to their stories.

Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to help prepare for your doctor visits. It will help you plan questions about the disease and treatment. Keep track of your symptoms and jot down your treatment goals to discuss with your doctor.

If your symptoms change, make sure to keep track of what’s different. Speak up about any new or worsening symptoms. Your doctor can help determine if the symptoms are related to IgG4-RD and help you manage them with appropriate treatment.