Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a condition that affects the nerves in your body. Your nerves have a fatty covering called myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. CIDP may happen when your immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath. This damage can cause weakness and decreased feeling in your arms and legs.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Seek care immediately if:

• You are having trouble breathing.
• You cannot walk or care for yourself.
• You have pain that does not decrease, even with medicine.
• Your symptoms get worse very quickly.

Call your doctor if:

• You feel like you cannot cope with your condition.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Gamunex-C
• Privigen
• Gammagard Liquid
• Hizentra
• gabapentin

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Immune globulins may be given to make your immune system stronger.
• Steroids may be given to decrease nerve swelling.
• Plasma exchange is a procedure that separates the plasma in your blood from your blood cells. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Antibodies that may be attacking and damaging your nerves are also removed. Your blood cells and healthy plasma are then returned to your body.
• Pain medicine may be given.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Physical and occupational therapy:

Your healthcare provider may recommend physical and occupational therapy. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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