Myasthenia Gravis Treatment: Insights into Ultomiris' Mechanism and Additional Details
Surprised by Your MG? Check Out Ultomiris for a Helping Hand!
Ultomiris, or ravulizumab-cwvz, is the solution you've been searching for when it comes to managing myasthenia gravis (MG). Let's break it down and see how this bad boy works!
This intravenous (IV) infusion is prescribed for adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized MG. It's a biologic belonging to the drug class called complement inhibitors, and there's no biosimilar version available.
Before diving in, remember that if you've got MG, your muscles tire quickly and weaken, which is all down to faulty communication between your muscles and nerves, an autoimmune issue that's messing with your body big time. Some symptoms include:- Droopy eyelids- Weak limb, neck, and eye muscles- Fatigue (hey, we all need a break sometimes, but this is excessive)- Blurry or double vision- Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing
You can find more deets in this comprehensive Ultomiris article right here!
Body weight
Ultomiris has a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) known as a boxed warning. You'll want to check out the "Before Receiving Ultomiris" section to get the low-down on this.
Loading dose
Fighting Fit: Say Hello to Ultomiris
Maintenance dose
So, how does Ultomiris help combat MG? It works hard to block the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is the super-important spot where nerve cells communicate with the muscles they control. By knocking out C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultomiris makes it easier for signals from nerve cells to reach your muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness and boosting muscle strength.
Game-Changer: Ultomiris's Efficacy
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
In clinical trials, Ultomiris showed promising results in the ability to help adults with generalized MG (gMG) carry out daily activities better. You can learn more about these studies by checking out the Ultomiris prescribing info, or your doc and pharmacist can share the tea on its effectiveness.
2,400 mg
Time for a Dose: Ultomiris Infusion Schedule
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
Here's what to expect when it comes to receiving Ultomiris infusions:
- Ultomiris is available in different strengths: 300 mg/30 mL, 300 mg/3 mL, and 1,100 mg/11 mL.
- Your doc will decide the best dosage based on your body weight.
- Treatment usually begins with a loading dose, followed by maintenance doses every 8 weeks.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
More deets on dosing schedules are available in this Ultomiris dosing article. Don't hesitate to ask your doc about your Ultomiris dosage if you've got any questions.
2,700 mg
When Things Aren't Perfect: Ultomiris's Side Effects
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
Using Ultomiris may come with mild or serious side effects. Keep in mind that side effects vary depending on the condition it's used to treat. Some common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infections (like the common cold)
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Mild infusion reactions (muscle spasms, discomfort in your arms or legs)
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Serious side effects include:* Serious infections (like COVID-19 or pneumonia)* Severe infusion reactions (increased or decreased blood pressure, severe shivering, chill, and fever)
3,000 mg
More side effects (and other deets) can be found in the Ultomiris prescribing info or by talking to your doc or pharmacist.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
Remember, sharing your experience can help make medications safer for everyone. If you develop a side effect while taking Ultomiris, report it to MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Are You Ready to Rock With Ultomiris?
Before receiving Ultomiris, there are some essential things to know:
Boxed Warning: Risk of Serious Meningococcal Infections
Ultomiris
Ultomiris elevates the risk of serious meningococcal infections. Symptoms of a meningococcal infection include sudden fever, headache, or stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and drowsiness.
Vyvgart
What to Do
Before you start using Ultomiris, your doc will ensure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. Urgent use of Ultomiris might necessitate antibiotics for the first 2 weeks following the first infusion to help prevent infection. The risk of serious meningococcal infections exists throughout treatment with Ultomiris and for 8 months following your last dose. Contact your doc right away if you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this time. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Form
The Skinny on Other Warnings
solution for IV infusion
Ultomiris also has other warnings. if any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, remember to discuss them with your doc before receiving Ultomiris if:- You have an active infection- You're pregnant- You're breastfeeding- You drink alcohol- You've had an allergic reaction to Ultomiris or any of its ingredients
solution for IV infusion
FAQ: Ultomiris and MG
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ultomiris for treating MG:
Dosage frequency
Ultomiris: Better Than Vyvgart?
once every 8 weeks
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are both prescribed to treat generalized MG in adults who are AChR antibody-positive. While both are IV infusions, the dosage frequency differs:
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
- Ultomiris: once every 8 weeks
- Vyvgart: once weekly for 4 weeks; your doc may prescribe additional cycles based on symptom response
While Ultomiris is solely approved for use in treating MG, Vyvgart is also used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Drug class
Your doc or pharmacist can offer more information on how Ultomiris and Vyvgart compare.
complement inhibitor
Can I Get Ultomiris Infusions at Home?
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Possibly. Your doc might be able to prescribe Ultomiris for home infusion. With home infusion services, a healthcare professional visits your home to administer the infusion.
Talk with your doc to learn more about whether this solution is available and suitable for you.
The Bottom Line
Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) is a biologic used to treat generalized MG in adults who are AChR antibody-positive. The cost of Ultomiris depends on several factors, including dosage, administration costs at the infusion center, and your insurance coverage. Financial assistance programs for Ultomiris may be available, so it's essential to discuss support options with your healthcare provider, specialty pharmacy, or the manufacturer's patient assistance services.
- Ultomiris, a complement inhibitor, is an IV infusion prescribed for adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis (MG).
- The immune system, along with other autoimmune disorders, is affected in MG, causing muscles to tire quickly and weaken due to faulty communication between muscles and nerves.
- Ultomiris works by blocking the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness and boosting muscle strength.
- In clinical trials, Ultomiriris showed efficacy in helping adults with generalized MG (gMG) perform daily activities better.
- The loading dose for Ultomiris is typically higher, followed by maintenance doses every 8 weeks, and the dosage can vary based on body weight.
- Using Ultomiris may cause side effects like diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, back pain, dizziness, and mild infusion reactions.
- It is important to note that Ultomiris elevates the risk of serious meningococcal infections, and patients should be up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines before receiving Ultomiris, with urgent antibiotic use for the first 2 weeks following the first infusion to help prevent infections.
