Practical tools
Patient alert card
A wallet-sized card to carry with you. It tells anyone treating you in an emergency that you have IgG4-related disease and that your steroids must not be stopped suddenly.
MEDICAL ALERT
IgG4-related disease
I have IgG4-related disease, a chronic immune-mediated condition.
I take long-term steroids and/or immunosuppressant medication.
Do not stop my steroids suddenly. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a life-threatening adrenal crisis.
See reverse for emergency guidance.
TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
In illness, injury, surgery, or if I cannot take my medication, I may need increased (stress-dose) corticosteroids. Please contact my specialist urgently.
I am immunosuppressed: higher infection risk, and infection may show without typical signs. Please assess carefully.
Adrenal crisis: severe weakness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, low blood pressure. Treat as an emergency; may need parenteral hydrocortisone and fluids.
More information: igg4.org
Completed by patient; details to be confirmed by physician