Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: An Examination of Its Mechanisms and Additional Information
Chatty Assistant:
Ultomiris, a fancy new drug, is used to treat myasthenia gravis, a condition that messes with your muscle and nerve communication, making your voluntary muscles wear out fast. It's like a superhero for tired muscles!
This article will cover topics like side effects, dosage, and how Ultomiris works its magic. Remember, this ain't a substitute for chatting with your doc, so always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Ultomiris is an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning a healthcare pro will hook you up with it. It belongs to the drug class called complement inhibitors, and there's no biosimilar version available yet.
Be aware of the boxed warning: this is the FDA's most serious warning. For details, head to the "Before receiving Ultomiris" section below.
Body weight
Myasthenia Gravis Explained
Loading dose
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune condition. That means your immune system, meant to protect you from bad stuff, accidentally attacks your own cells. As a result, your voluntary muscles tire quickly and weaken.
Maintenance dose
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
Symptoms vary, but they typically get worse during activity and improve with rest. Check out this list of symptoms:
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
- Droopy eyelids
- Weak muscles in your limbs, neck, and eyes
- Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
- Blurry or double vision
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
2,400 mg
Who Ultomiris is Prescribed For
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
Ultomiris is prescribed to adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are antibody-positive for acetylcholine receptors (AChR).
- "Generalized" means all muscle groups throughout the body are affected, not just the eyes like ocular myasthenia gravis.
- "Anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive" means your immune system makes antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals causing muscles to contract.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
Before prescribing Ultomiris, your doctor might run a blood test to check if your gMG is antibody-positive.
2,700 mg
How Ultomiris Treats Myasthenia Gravis
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
If your doctor prescribes you Ultomiris, you might wanna know how it works. The exact science behind it isn't fully understood, but it's thought to block the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is where nerve cells communicate with the muscles they control. By lowering C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultomiris helps signals from nerve cells reach your muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness, and maybe even improving muscle strength.
How Well Ultomiris Works for Myasthenia Gravis
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
In clinical studies, Ultomiris improved the ability to carry out daily living activities in adults with gMG who were antibody-positive for AChR. You can learn more by reading the prescribing information for Ultomiris or chatting with your doctor or pharmacist.
3,000 mg
Receiving Ultomiris for Myasthenia Gravis
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
The following info highlights typical Ultomiris dosages for myasthenia gravis. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
Ultomiris comes in three strengths:
- 300 milligrams (mg)/30 milliliters (mL)
- 300 mg/3 mL
- 1,100 mg/11 mL
Dosage
Ultomiris
General dosage recommendations are based on your body weight:
Vyvgart
- 40 kg to less than 60 kg: 2,400 mg loading dose, then 3,000 mg every 8 weeks maintenance dose
- 60 kg to less than 100 kg: 2,700 mg loading dose, then 3,300 mg every 8 weeks maintenance dose
- 100 kg or more: 3,000 mg loading dose, then 3,600 mg every 8 weeks maintenance dose
Treatment typically begins with a loading dose, followed by maintenance doses every 8 weeks. The maintenance doses are usually started two weeks after the loading dose. If you're curious about dosing schedules, check out this Ultomiris dosage article.
Form
How Ultomiris is Given
solution for IV infusion
Ultomiris is a solution for IV infusion. A healthcare professional will administer your Ultomiris infusions at an infusion center.
solution for IV infusion
How Often Ultomiris is Given
You typically receive your maintenance doses every 8 weeks. You'll likely start receiving maintenance doses 2 weeks after your loading dose.
Dosage frequency
Ultomiris Side Effects
once every 8 weeks
Using Ultomiris for myasthenia gravis may cause side effects that are mild or serious. Remember this list isn't exhaustive; consult your doctor or pharmacist for a complete understanding.
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Mild side effects of Ultomiris
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection (common cold)
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Mild infusion reactions (muscle spasms, discomfort in your arms or legs)
Drug class
These side effects may be temporary and last a few days to weeks. However, if they last longer, bother you, or become severe, talk with your healthcare provider.
complement inhibitor
Serious side effects of Ultomiris
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
- Serious infections (e.g., COVID-19 and pneumonia)
- Serious infusion reactions (e.g., increased or decreased blood pressure, severe shivering, chills, and fever)
- Risk of serious meningococcal infections (see "Before receiving Ultomiris" section below)
Call your doctor immediately if you develop serious side effects while using Ultomiris. If symptoms feel life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Before Receiving Ultomiris
There's some important info to keep in mind before you receive Ultomiris:
Boxed warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections
Ultomiris has a boxed warning for the increased risk of serious meningococcal infections. These infections can be life-threatening. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, or stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and drowsiness. Before you start Ultomiris treatment, your doctor will make sure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. If not, they'll give you the necessary vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start treatment. They may prescribe antibiotics for the first 2 weeks following your first Ultomiris infusion for added protection.
The risk of serious meningococcal infections applies throughout treatment with Ultomiris and for at least 8 months after your last dose. If you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this time, contact your doctor immediately or go to the closest emergency room. Due to this risk, Ultomiris is only available under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. You'll need to carry the Ultomiris Patient Safety Card throughout treatment and for at least 8 months after your last dose.
Other warnings
- If you have an active infection, talk to your doctor before receiving Ultomiris.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using Ultomiris.
- Alcohol consumption may affect how Ultomiris works, so talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake.
- If you've had an allergic reaction to Ultomiris or any of its ingredients, inform your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ultomiris compare vs. Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are both prescribed to treat gMG in adults who are antibody-positive for AChR. However, Ultomiris has a different form, dosage frequency, and drug class compared to Vyvgart.
Can I receive Ultomiris infusions at home?
It's possible. Ask your doctor about home infusion services to find out if it's an option for you.
- Ultomiris, a treatment for myasthenia gravis, belongs to the drug class called complement inhibitors, working by blocking the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Other autoimmune disorders can affect the immune system, similar to myasthenia gravis, where the immune system attacks its own cells, causing various health-and-wellness issues related to the affected system.
- Neurological-disorders, like myasthenia gravis, can lead to symptoms such as droopy eyelids, weak muscles, fatigue, blurry or double vision, difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
- In the field of science and medicine, various conditions are treated with drugs, like Ultomiris, to help manage or cure health-related problems, but it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication for accurate advice and treatment.
- Pharmacies manage and distribute prescription drugs and play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the correct medication and dosage for their medical-conditions, allowing them to access the treatments they need for improved health and wellness.
