MyMyelomaTeam

Low immunoglobulin levels (also called hypogammaglobulinemia) are a real concern with myeloma, even when off treatment. Myeloma disrupts normal plasma cell function, which means the body produces fewer healthy antibodies — leaving you more vulnerable to infections and contributing to fatigue.

Here's why fatigue and Show Full Answer

Low immunoglobulin levels (also called hypogammaglobulinemia) are a real concern with myeloma, even when off treatment. Myeloma disrupts normal plasma cell function, which means the body produces fewer healthy antibodies — leaving you more vulnerable to infections and contributing to fatigue.

Here's why fatigue and infections are connected to low immunoglobulin levels in myeloma:

- Anemia — Myeloma can crowd out bone marrow, reducing red blood cells and oxygen delivery, which causes deep tiredness
- Cytokines — Inflammatory proteins released during myeloma activity can cause prolonged fatigue, similar to fighting off a virus but lasting much longer
- Frequent infections — Low immunoglobulins mean your immune system struggles to fight bacteria and viruses, and recovering from infections is exhausting in itself
- Ongoing disease activity — Even off treatment, myeloma can still affect the body It's really important to flag persistent fatigue and any signs of infection to your care team. They may consider options like immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG) to help protect against infections.

One MyMyelomaTeam member shared, "I'm tired and drained all the time... but I do have good days." You're not alone in navigating this.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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