What is PI?
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) is a group of many disorders that impair the body’s immune system. Patients with PI are more likely to get infections which can include severe bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
What causes PI?
PI is caused by genetic defects in your immune system. This means that the antibodies you need to help fight infections are reduced, missing, or not working.
Signs and symptoms of PI
There are more than 400 types of PI that vary in severity, which affects how early they are detected. In some cases, a person with a mild form may not find out that they have PI until adulthood. In other cases, the disorder causes problems in infancy and is found soon after birth.
Important signs and symptoms of primary immunodeficiencies may include:
Recurrent, unusual, or difficult to treat infections
Recurrent pneumonia, ear infections, or sinusitis
Recurrent deep abscesses of the organs or skin
Multiple courses of antibiotics or IV antibiotics necessary to clear infections
Autoimmune disease
A family history of PI
Poor growth or loss of weight
Abnormal lymph nodes
Enlarged spleen
*Eligible, commercially insured patients may receive a maximum benefit of $12,500 per year or the cost of a patient’s co-pay in a 12-month period (whichever is less) for claims received by the program. No membership fees are required. Federal and state healthcare beneficiaries are not eligible. The PANZYGA Co-Pay Program is good only in the US and Puerto Rico. Terms and conditions/eligibility requirements apply. See full Terms and Conditions on the Financial assistance programs page.
Want to connect with other patients diagnosed with PI?
These foundations offer support, education, research, and advocacy to individuals and their families affected by PI
