Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Insights and Details
Rebranded Article:
Hey there! Let's dive into the low-down on Ultomiris, a badass med served as an IV infusion for peeps with myasthenia gravis. This article's gonna break it all down for ya, from its functioning to side effects, and dosage.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune condition that wrecks your muscle-nerve communication, causing muscles to tire quickly and weaken. And guess what? Ultomiris is here to help. It's a biologic drug and part of the complement inhibitor drug class. No biosimilar versions for this bad boy though.
So, what the heck is Ultomiris doing for you? Well, it goes after a protein called C5 in the complement system at the neuromuscular junction – the place where nerve cells chat with muscles they control. By blocking C5 activity, Ultomiris makes sure those crucial signals from nerve cells reach your muscles, helping reduce fatigue and muscle weakness while boosting muscle strength.
But wait, there's a boxed warning! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes this warning seriously, so it's the most severe one. Don't fret; just check out the "Before receiving Ultomiris" section for deets.
Body weight
Myasthenia gravis: The Lowdown
Loading dose
Myasthenia gravis messes with voluntary muscles, causing them to tire quickly and weaken. It's a chronic condition, and your immune system – instead of helping – mistakenly attacks your own cells.
Maintenance dose
Symptoms vary from person to person, often worsening during periods of increased activity and improving with rest. They include droopy eyelids, weak limbs, neck, and eyes, fatigue, blurry or double vision, difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
Who needs Ultomiris?
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
Ultomiris is prescribed to adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. "Generalized" means muscle groups throughout the body are affected, and "anti-acetylcholine receptor" means your immune system makes antibodies that clog up the acetylcholine receptors – a neurotransmitter that sends muscle-contracting signals.
2,400 mg
Before doling out prescriptions, doctors may order a blood test to check if your gMG is AChR antibody positive. Your MD can give you more details on whether Ultomiris is right for your specific form of myasthenia gravis.
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
The Power of Ultomiris in Action
If your doc hands you a script for Ultomiris, you might be curious about how it works. Ultomiris blocks C5 activity in the complement system at the neuromuscular junction, allowing nerve cell signals to reach muscles and reducing fatigue.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
How well does Ultomiris work for myasthenia gravis?
2,700 mg
Clinical studies show Ultomiris significantly improved the ability to carry out daily living activities in adults with gMG who were anti-AChR antibody positive. To learn more, peep the "prescribing information for Ultomiris."
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
Sipping on Ultomiris for myasthenia gravis
Here's the low-down on typical Ultomiris dosages. Your doctor will dangle the perfect dosage for you, so don't hesitate to ask questions about your Ultomiris dosage or delivery method.
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Ultomiris comes in three strengths:
3,000 mg
- 300 milligrams (mg)/30 milliliters (mL)
- 300 mg/3 mL
- 1,100 mg/11 mL
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
Dosage
Ultomiris treatment starts with a loading dose, followed by a maintenance dose, usually given every 8 weeks. Check out the chart below for the recommended dosages based on body weight:
| | | || --- | --- | --- || Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose || 40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb) | 2,400 mg | 3,000 mg every 8 weeks || 60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb) | 2,700 mg | 3,300 mg every 8 weeks || 100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more) | 3,000 mg | 3,600 mg every 8 weeks |
Note: Keep in mind that Ultomiris may be prescribed for other conditions, and its dosage can vary. Chat with your doctor for more details.
Ultomiris
How Ultomiris is served
Vyvgart
Ultomiris arrives as an IV infusion solution. A healthcare professional will administer your Ultomiris infusions at an infusion center.
How often Ultomiris is served
Form
You'll usually get your Ultomiris maintenance doses every 8 weeks. You'll likely kick off the maintenance doses 2 weeks after your loading dose.
solution for IV infusion
If you're eager for more details about dosing schedules for Ultomiris, hook yourself up with this Ultomiris dosage article or get your juicy facts from your doc or pharmacist.
solution for IV infusion
Ultomiris Side Effects
Side effects of Ultomiris can range from mild to serious. Here's a list of common side effects:
Dosage frequency
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection (common cold)
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Mild infusion reactions, with symptoms like muscle spasms, discomfort in arms or legs
once every 8 weeks
You might experience these side effects for a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, bother you, or become severe, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Serious Side Effects
While rare, serious side effects have been reported, including:
Drug class
- Serious infections, such as COVID-19 and pneumonia
- Serious infusion reactions, with symptoms like increased or decreased blood pressure, severe shivering, chills, and fever
complement inhibitor
Contact your doctor straight away if you develop serious side effects while using Ultomiris. If the side effects feel life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Allergy Alert!
For some, Ultomiris may cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms can range from mild to serious.
- Mild allergy symptoms, like a rash, chat with your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms and will let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
- Severe allergic symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms can become life-threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Ultomiris, your doctor might suggest a different medication instead.
Before receiving Ultomiris
Before you receive Ultomiris, take a look at this crucial info. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that impact your health. Here are some highlights:
Boxed Warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections
Ultomiris carries a boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections.
Treatment with Ultomiris increases the risk for life-threatening meningococcal infections, such as meningitis.
What to do
Before you start receiving Ultomiris, your doctor will ensure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. If not, they'll give you any needed vaccinations at least 2 weeks before you begin Ultomiris treatment. If your doctor decides you urgently need to receive Ultomiris, they might have you start treatment sooner than 2 weeks after meningococcal vaccination. In such cases, they'll likely prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection, which you'll take for the first 2 weeks following your first Ultomiris infusion.
The risk of serious meningococcal infections span the treatment period and continues for at least 8 months after your last dose. Immediately contact your doctor if you believe you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this time. But call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Due to this risk, Ultomiris is only available under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. As part of this program, you'll need to carry the Ultomiris Patient Safety Card throughout treatment and for at least 8 months after your last dose. You can learn more about the Ultomiris REMS program at the program website or by calling 1-888-765-4747.
Other warnings
In addition to the boxed warning, Ultomiris carries other warnings.
- Have an active infection? Talk with your doctor before receiving Ultomiris.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Let your doc know.
- Quench your thirst with alcohol? It might impact how Ultomiris works.
- Had an allergic reaction to Ultomiris or any of its ingredients? Speak up.
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Ultomiris for treating myasthenia gravis.
How does Ultomiris compare with Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are prescribed for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive. Here's a comparison:
| Ultomiris | Vyvgart || --- | --- || Solution for IV infusion | Solution for IV infusion || Once every 8 weeks | Once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms || Complement inhibitor | Neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Vyvgart may be dosed less frequently and belongs to a different drug class. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more info on the differences between Ultomiris and Vyvgart.
Can I receive Ultomiris infusions at home?
It's possible! Your doctor might be able to prescribe Ultomiris for home infusion. Paging your doctor to learn more about this option.
Cost of Ultomiris
The cost of Ultomiris depends on factors like your treatment regimen, insurance plan, and location. The Alexion OneSource CoPay Program is available to help with Ultomiris costs. Chat with your doc or visit the program website to learn more.
- Ultomiris is a biologic drug, used as an IV infusion, that targets the complement system's C5 protein in the neuromuscular junction to help enhance muscle strength in people with myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects muscle-nerve communication.
- Other autoimmune disorders may potentially be treated with similar drugs, as the science of immunology continues to evolve, providing new opportunities for medical-conditions management, such as chronic diseases like neurological disorders.
- For people with myasthenia gravis, Ultomiris may improve their ability to perform daily living activities and reduce fatigue, although it is important to note that side effects can occur and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic uses, including inflammation reduction and providing relief from chronic pain associated with autoimmune disorders.
- Pharmacies and health-and-wellness stores often carry complementary therapies and supplements intended to support immune system function and overall wellness, offering solutions for those seeking alternative approaches in managing their health conditions.
- Ultomiris carries a boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and routine medical follow-up to ensure safe and effective treatment. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on Ultomiris dosage, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions.
