Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Insights and Details
Unleashed: No-Holds-Barred Dishes on Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz)
Welcome to the low-down on Ultomiris, ya filthy animals! Let's dive deep into this juice, shall we?
First thing's first: Ultomiris is a drip treatment prescribed for myasthenia gravis - a dehghan that makes your muscles tired as hell and get all wonky because your nerve transmissions are messed up. And the best part? Your immune system is the one causing it because it's going around attacking your own cells. Super fun!
What exactly IS Ultomiris?
Ultomiris is an intravenous infusion that gets hooked up by a healthcare professional. Oh, and it's also a biologic, which means it's made from living organisms, so it's unique to each individual. The medication doesn't have a biosimilar version, so ya better appreciate the exclusivity.
Wanna know more? Check out this in-depth Ultomiris article!
Warning bells: Watch out for this shit
Ultomiris has got a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So pay attention, mates, or you'll regret it.
Body weight
For the details, head over to the "Before receiving Ultomiris" section down below.
Loading dose
Let's talk myasthenia gravis
Alright, gotta run through the basics of myasthenia gravis so you know why the hell you're needing Ultomiris in the first place.
Maintenance dose
In a nutshell, it's a chronic, autoimmune disorder where your muscles and nerves have a hard time communicating, causing them to wear out quickly and grow weaker. Symptoms range from droopy eyelids, weak limb muscles, fatigue, blurry vision, and trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. And it all gets worse during periods of increased activity, FYI.
Who the hell needs Ultomiris?
Ultomiris is prescribed for adult myasthenia gravis sufferers with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who got AChR antibodies (Anti-Acetylcholine receptor antibody positive).
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
- gMG means your whole body's got muscle groups affected, not just your peepers like it does with ocular myasthenia gravis.
- AChR antibody positive means your immune system goes around making fuckin' antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. And acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals to make muscles contract, so it's kinda a big deal.
Before they prescribe the Ultomiris, your doc might order a blood test to see if your myasthenia gravis is AChR antibody positive. Then they can let you know if Ultomiris is suitable for your type of myasthenia gravis.
2,400 mg
How does Ultomiris do its magic?
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
The exact way Ultomiris works ain't all that clear, but here's the gist: 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 hang out and talk to the muscles they control, so Ultomiris helps the signals from the nerve cells reach your muscles. This might reduce fatigue and muscle weakness, ya dig?
How well does Ultomiris work?
Sammies, in clinical studies, Ultomiris finally managed to improve the ability to perform daily living activities in adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who were AChR antibody positive. So, there's that.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
For more deets, hit up the prescribing information for Ultomiris. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you the scoop on how Ultomiris performed in those studies.
2,700 mg
Receiving Ultomiris for your myasthenia gravis
Now, let's chat about the dosages for Ultomiris when you're dealing with myasthenia gravis. Your doctor'll decide the best dosage for you, but don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure.
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
Ultomiris is available in three strengths:
- 300mg/30mL
- 300mg/3mL
- 1,100mg/11mL
The heavy lifting - Dosage
The recommended Ultomiris dosages for treating myasthenia gravis are based on your body weight in kilograms. One kilogram is roughly 2.2 pounds.
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Ultomiris treatment typically starts with a loading dose followed by a maintenance dose. Two weeks after the loading dose, it's time for the maintenance dose, which you usually get every 8 weeks.
Here's a chart to help ya out:
3,000 mg
| Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose |------|------|-------|| 40kg to less than 60kg | 2,400mg | 3,000mg every 8 weeks || 60kg to less than 100kg | 2,700mg | 3,300mg every 8 weeks || 100kg or more | 3,000mg | 3,600mg every 8 weeks |
Keep in mind that the drug may have a different dosage when treating other conditions. To learn more, talk with your doctor.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
The how-to - How Ultomiris is given
Ultomiris is a sweet homemade solution for IV infusion. A healthcare professional will hook you up with the Ultomiris infusion at an infusion center.
The how-often - How frequently Ultomiris is given
Generally, you receive your Ultomiris maintenance doses every 8 weeks. You'll likely start receiving maintenance doses 2 weeks after your loading dose.
For more details on dosing schedules for Ultomiris, hit up this Ultomiris dosage article.
Ultomiris side effects
The use of Ultomiris for myasthenia gravis may cause some side effects, which can be mild or severe. Note that side effects may differ depending on the condition it's used to treat.
Ultomiris
The snivels - Mild side effects
Mild side effects reported with Ultomiris include:
Vyvgart
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory infections, like the common cold
- abdominal pain
- urinary tract infections
- back pain
- dizziness
- mild infusion reactions, such as:
- muscle spasms
- discomfort in arms or legs
These side effects may be temporary and last for a few days to weeks. But if they stick around longer or bug the shit outta you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
The heavy hitters - Serious side effects
While not common, serious side effects have been reported with Ultomiris, including:
Form
- severe infections, e.g., COVID-19 and pneumonia
- serious infusion reactions, including:
- increased or decreased blood pressure
- severe shivering, chills, and fever
Call your doc right away if you develop serious side effects while using Ultomiris. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you're in a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
solution for IV infusion
Allergic reactions
For some people, Ultomiris may trigger an allergic reaction, and symptoms can be mild or severe.
solution for IV infusion
- For mild allergic reactions, like a rash, chat with your doctor right away. They may offer treatments to manage your symptoms.
- For severe reactions, like swelling or difficulty breathing, dial 911 or your emergency number right away. These symptoms can be life-threatening.
If you have had a serious allergic reaction to Ultomiris or any of its ingredients, your doctor might recommend a different medication instead.
Before receiving Ultomiris
Dosage frequency
Before you start Ultomiris, bear in mind that it may not be suitable for some medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. The drug has a boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections. Ever heard of that shit?
The harsh truth - Boxed warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections
once every 8 weeks
Ultomiris comes with a boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections. This is the most severe warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Treatment with Ultomiris increases the risk for serious meningococcal infections, such as meningitis. These bastards can be life-threatening, so let's break it down:
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
- Symptoms of a meningococcal infection include:
- sudden fever
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
- drowsiness
The solution
Before you begin Ultomiris treatment, your doc will make sure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. If you ain't, they'll give you any needed vaxxes at least two weeks before you start Ultomiris treatment. If your doc determines you gotta start Ultomiris right away, they may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection during the first two weeks following your first Ultomiris infusion.
The risk of serious meningococcal infections applies throughout treatment with Ultomiris and for at least eight months after your last dose. Contact your doctor straight away if you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this time. But if you feel like it's an emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Drug class
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 your 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
complement inhibitor
In addition to boxed warnings, Ultomiris has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other factors apply to you, chat 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
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Frequently asked questions
Below are FAQs about Ultomiris for treating myasthenia gravis.
How does Ultomiris stack up against Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are both prescribed for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in AChR antibody-positive adults. Here's a chart to help ya compare 'em:
| | Ultomiris | Vyvgart || --- | --- | --- || Form | solution for IV infusion | solution for IV infusion || Dosage frequency | once every 8 weeks | once weekly for 4 weeks; your doc might prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms || Drug class | complement inhibitor | neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Ultomiris is also approved for other conditions, while Vyvgart ain't. Your doctor or pharmacist can offer more information on how Ultomiris and Vyvgart compare.
Can I get Ultomiris infusions at home?
Maybe! Your doc might let you get Ultomiris at home with home infusion services, where a healthcare professional visits your dwelling to administer the treatment. Hit up your doc to find out if it's an option for you.
Ultomiris cost
The cost of Ultomiris depends on various factors, such as your treatment regimen, insurance plan, and location. The price also includes the cost of the appointment to receive Ultomiris from a healthcare professional. Check out the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program for assistance with Ultomiris costs. For more information and to see if you're eligible, call 888-765-4747 or visit the program website. That's it for now, my friends! Keep it funky and stay safe!
- Ultomiris is an intravenous infusion that works as a biologic, uniquely tailored to each individual, and is not available in a biosimilar version.
- Ultomiris is primarily used for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are AChR antibody positive, as their immune system attacks their own cells, causing a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects muscle and nerve communication.
- The immune system's attack on the cells during myasthenia gravis causes symptoms like droopy eyelids, weak limb muscles, fatigue, blurry vision, trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing, which worsen during periods of increased activity.
- Other autoimmune disorders may require medical-attention, and when discussing therapies and treatments with healthcare professionals, it's essential to consider the impact on health-and-wellness and the immune system.
- Ultomiris functions by blocking the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction, allowing the signals from the nerve cells to reach the muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness.
