A Lacking Peach Of A Medication: Ultomiris For MG Explored
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Its Function, Plus Additional Information
Let's get to the nitty-gritty of Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz), a peachy infusion treatment for myasthenia gravis. We'll discuss side effects, dosage, and even how this little number works.
Ultomiris is an IV bong solution that a healthcare pro administers. It falls under the category of complement inhibitors, a top-shelf drug class. You won't find a biosimilar version of this trick at the corner shop.
Want to learn more about this experimental elixir? Check out this super in-depth Ultomiris article.
Now, Ultomiris comes with a boxed warning, your pharmaceutical Forbidden Fruit. For more info, feast your eyes on the "Before Receiving Ultomiris" section.
What's Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a sinister condition where miscommunication between muscles and nerves causes your non-essential muscles to wear out quickly, resulting in weakness. It's an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells.
MG Symptoms
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis vary from person to person but typically worsen during periods of increased activity and improve with rest. These may include:
Body weight
- drooping eyelids
- weak muscles in your limbs, neck, and eyes
- fatigue
- blurry or double vision
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
Who Receives Ultomiris?
Loading dose
Ultomiris is prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. Just remember, "generalized" means muscle groups throughout the body are affected, and "AChR positive" means your immune system produces antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors.
Prior to prescribing Ultomiris, your doctor may order a blood test to confirm your gMG is AChR positive. They'll provide more details about whether Ultomiris is suitable for your version of myasthenia gravis.
Maintenance dose
The Ultomiris Game Plan
If your doc prescribes Ultomiris, you'll likely want to know how it treats your condition.
How Ultomiris Slays MG
The wrestling match between Ultomiris and myasthenia gravis isn't entirely clear. However, it's suspected that the medication blocks the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
The NMJ is where nerve cells whisper to the muscles they control. By taking C5 out of the mix, Ultomiris helps messages from nerve cells reach your muscles, thus reducing fatigue and muscle weakness and boosting power.
How Well Does Ultomiris Smash MG?
2,400 mg
In clinical trials, Ultomiris demonstrated effectiveness in improving daily living activities in adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who test positive for AChR antibodies.
Learn more about these battles in the "Prescribing Information for Ultomiris". Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide stats on Ultomiris's performance in the ring.
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
The Ultomiris Treatment Schedule
Here's a quick rundown of Ultomiris dosages for myasthenia gravis:
- 300mg/30mL
- 300mg/3mL
- 1,100mg/11mL
Dosage 101
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
The recommended Ultomiris dosages for treating myasthenia gravis depend on your body weight in kilograms (kg). The following chart outlines the recommended dosages:
| Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose ||------------|-------------|-------------------|| 40 kg - 60 kg (~88 lb - ~132 lb) | 2,400 mg | 3,000 mg every 8 weeks || 60 kg - 100 kg (~132 lb - ~220 lb) | 2,700 mg | 3,300 mg every 8 weeks || 100 kg or more (~220 lb or more) | 3,000 mg | 3,600 mg every 8 weeks |
2,700 mg
How Ultomiris Is Dished Out
Ultomiris comes in infusion form. A healthcare pro will administer the treatments at an infusion center.
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
How Often Ultomiris Is Dished Out
You typically receive maintenance Ultomiris doses every 8 weeks. Your maintenance doses kick off 2 weeks following your loading dose.
For more insights on Ultomiris's dosing schedules, hop over to this Ultomiris dosage article.
The Side-Effects Show
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Using Ultomiris for MG may cause some side effects, some of which are mild, while some are severe.
mg also has approvals for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD) disorders. Side effects may differ depending on the disorder it's used to treat.
3,000 mg
Mild Effects of Ultomiris
Mild side effects reported with Ultomiris treatment include:
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory infections, like the common cold
- abdominal pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- back pain
- lightheadedness
- mild infusion reactions, featuring:
- muscle spasms
- discomfort in arms or legs
These Ultomiris side effects may be temporary and last a few days to weeks. However, if they persist, worsen, or become troublesome, touch base with your doc or pharmacist.
Serious Effects of Ultomiris
While uncommon, serious side effects have been mumbled about with Ultomiris. These include:
- serious infections, such as COVID-19 and pneumonia
- serious infusion reactions, including:
- increased or decreased blood pressure
- severe shivering, chills, and fever
- the risk of serious meningococcal infections (see "Before Receiving Ultomiris")
When you experience serious side effects from Ultomiris, yell at your doctor right away. If the side effects feel life-threatening or resemble an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
The Alergy Dance
Ultomiris can trigger an allergic response in some people.
Ultomiris
In general, allergic response symptoms can be mild or severe.
Managing Mild Allergic Responses
Vyvgart
For mild allergic response symptoms, such as a mild rash, contact your doctor immediately. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also share if you should continue taking the medication.
For severe allergic response symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, contact 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical attention as they can become life-threatening. If you've had a severe allergic reaction to another medicine, your doctor may suggest a different medication instead.
Before Sipping on Ultomiris
Before accepting Ultomiris, there are a few things to brush up on. The medication may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions or other factors that could impact your health. Here are some red flags to consider before taking the Ultomiris plunge:
Form
Boxed Warning: Risk of Serious Meningococcal Infections
Ultomiris has a fortified boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections. This is the FDA's most serious warning.
solution for IV infusion
Ultomiris may increase the risk of developing serious meningococcal infections, such as meningitis. These infections can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a meningococcal infection include:
- sudden fever, headache, or stiff neck
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
- drowsiness
solution for IV infusion
Up-to-date Vaccines and Ultomiris
Before you start Ultomiris, your doctor will ensure you're all caught up with meningococcal vaccines. If you haven't had them, they will administer any missed vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start Ultomiris therapy. If your doc deems it necessary for you to receive Ultomiris urgently, they may initiate treatment sooner than 2 weeks following meningococcal immunization. In this case, they'll likely prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infections, which you'll take for the first 2 weeks post-first Ultomiris infusion.
The risk of serious meningococcal infectionsLasts throughout Ultomiris treatment and for at least 8 months after your final dose. Immediately contact your doctor if you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this period. But call 911 or rush to the closest emergency room if your symptoms feel life threatening.
Due to this risk, Ultomiris is only available under a 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.
Dosage frequency
FAQs
Here's a rundown of frequently asked questions about Ultomiris for treating myasthenia gravis.
once every 8 weeks
How Does Ultomiris Compare vs. Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are prescribed for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are AChR positive. The following table compares these medications for treating this condition:
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
| | || --- | --- || Ultomiris | Vyvgart || Form | solution for IV infusion | solution for IV infusion|| Dosage frequency | once every 8 weeks | once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on the response || Drug class | complement inhibitor | neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Unlike Vyvgart, Ultomiris is approved for other conditions as well.
Your doctor or pharmacist can offer more info on how Ultomiris and Vyvgart stack up.
Home Infusions for Ultomiris
Drug class
It's possible. Your doctor may prescribe Ultomiris for home infusion. With home infusion services, a healthcare professional visits your home to administer a medication infusion.
Discuss home infusion options with your doctor to see if it's a viable choice for you.
complement inhibitor
Ultomiris Cost
The price of Ultomiris depends on several factors, including your treatment regimen, insurance plan, and location. You'll also have to account for the cost of the appointment to receive Ultomiris infusions from a healthcare professional.
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Ultomiris is a brand-name drug that doesn't have a biosimilar version, so there's no unlicensed copycat.
A program called the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program is available for Ultomiris. Learn more about this offering and your eligibility by calling 888-765-4747 or visiting the program website.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure the info is accurate, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article shouldn't take the place of the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication.
The drug data provided here isn’t definitive and may not apply to all patients. It should be used as a guide and not as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding your personal situation.
- Ultomiris, being a top-shelf drug, falls under the category of complement inhibitors and doesn't have a biosimilar version like the one you might find at a corner pharmacy.
- A boxed warning, the pharmaceutical Forbidden Fruit, accompanies Ultomiris due to the risk of serious meningococcal infections it may cause.
- Myasthenia gravis, a sinister autoimmune disorder, results in weakness due to miscommunication between muscles and nerves, and Ultomiris is prescribed to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who test positive for AChR antibodies.
- Ultomiris infusions may cause side effects ranging from mild, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lightheadedness, to serious ones like serious infections, meningitis, or severe infusion reactions.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, neurological disorders like myasthenia gravis, on top of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can be complex medical-conditions requiring professional attention.
