Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Insights into Its Mechanism and Beyond
Revamped Perspective:
Get the skinny on Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz), the brand-name infusion solution that's prescribed to tackle myasthenia gravis. This convenient guide covers the good, the bad, and the how-tos, with a sprinkle of useful insights along the way.
Ultomiris is an intravenous (IV) infusion that's doled out by healthcare professionals. It's a biologic medication classed as a complement inhibitor, and you won't find any biosimilar alternatives.
Want to learn more about Ultomiris? Read up on this comprehensive guide. 👍
Ultomiris comes with a boxed warning, which is the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) most serious warning. To delve deeper, hit up the "Before getting your doses" section.
Body weight
What is myasthenia gravis? 🤔
Loading dose
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your voluntary muscles to tire easily and grow weak. Simply put, your muscle and nerve communication goes wonky, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Maintenance dose
Myasthenia gravis symptoms 🤕
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis may vary from person to person, often worsening during periods of increased activity and improving with rest. These symptoms include:
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
- drooping eyelids
- weak muscles in your limbs, neck, and eyes
- fatigue
- blurry or double vision
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
2,400 mg
For whom is Ultomiris prescribed? 🤝
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
Ultomiris is prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies.
- "Generalized" means muscle groups throughout the body are affected. gMG is distinct from ocular myasthenia gravis, which only affects the eye muscles.
- "Anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive" means your immune system produces antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions.
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
Before your doctor recommends Ultomiris, they might perform a blood test to check if your gMG is AChR antibody positive. Need more details? Ask your doctor about how Ultomiris aligns with your specific form of myasthenia gravis.
2,700 mg
How does Ultomiris work its magic? 🔍
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
If Ultomiris gets the nod from your doctor, you might wonder how it does its thang. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's hypothesized to inhibit the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
The NMJ is the nerve cells' communication hub with the muscles they control. By lowering C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultomiris facilitates signals from nerve cells to reach your muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness and enhancing muscle strength.
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
How effective is Ultomiris for myasthenia gravis? 🌍
3,000 mg
In clinical trials, Ultomiris made a meaningful impact on the ability of people with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) to perform daily living activities. Dig deeper into these studies by checking out the "Ultomiris prescribing information." Your doctor or pharmacist can also enlighten you on Ultomiris's success rate in the trials.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
Getting your Ultomiris fix 💉
Ultomiris is available in three strengths:
- 300 milligrams (mg)/30 milliliters (mL)
- 300 mg/3 mL
- 1,100 mg/11 mL
Dosage 💡
Ultomiris
Recommended Ultomiris dosages for treating myasthenia gravis depend on your body weight:
Vyvgart
| | || ----- | ----- || Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose || 40 kg to less than 60 kg | 2,400 mg | 3,000 mg every 8 weeks || 60 kg to less than 100 kg | 2,700 mg | 3,300 mg every 8 weeks || 100 kg or more | 3,000 mg | 3,600 mg every 8 weeks |
On the hunt for more info about Ultomiris dosing schedules? Check out our Ultomiris dosage article.
Form
How Ultomiris is given 💉
solution for IV infusion
Ultomiris comes as a solution for IV infusion. A doctor will administer your Ultomiris infusions at an infusion center.
solution for IV infusion
How often Ultomiris is given ⏰
You'll typically receive your Ultomiris maintenance doses every 8 weeks. You'll likely start receiving maintenance doses 2 weeks after your loading dose.
Dosage frequency
What are the potential side effects of Ultomiris? 😓
once every 8 weeks
Using Ultomiris for myasthenia gravis may cause mild or serious side effects. Remember, Ultomiris is also approved to treat other conditions, so side effects can vary.
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Mild side effects 😴
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory infections (like the common cold)
- abdominal pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- back pain
- dizziness
- minor infusion reactions (e.g., muscle spasms, discomfort in arms or legs)
Drug class
Serious side effects 😱
complement inhibitor
- serious infections, such as COVID-19 and pneumonia
- serious infusion reactions (e.g., increased/decreased blood pressure, severe shivering, fever)
- risk of serious meningococcal infections (see "Before receiving Ultomiris")
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Before getting your Ultomiris doses 💉
Before you get Ultomiris, there are important aspects to bear in mind. Ultomiris might not be safe for individuals with certain medical conditions or other factors that affect their well-being.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections 🚫
Ultomiris carries a boxed warning to signal the potential risk of severe meningococcal infections.
Before starting Ultomiris treatment, your doctor will ensure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. If necessary, they'll administer the required vaccines at least 2 weeks before you begin Ultomiris treatment. In emergent situations, your doctor may have you start treatment sooner than 2 weeks following your vaccination. In this situation, they'll likely prescribe antibiotics for the first 2 weeks following your first Ultomiris infusion to stave off infection.
The risk of serious meningococcal infections endures throughout your Ultomiris treatment and extends for at least 8 months post-last injection. If you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection, reach out to your doctor immediately, but dial 911 or your local emergency service if your symptoms seem life-threatening.
Because of this risk, Ultomiris is available only 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. Learn more about the Ultomiris REMS program at the program website or by calling 1-888-765-4747.
Other warnings 🚨
Apart from boxed warnings, Ultomiris has additional cautions.
If any of the following medical conditions or factors are pertinent to you, discuss them with your doctor before receiving Ultomiris if you:
- have an active infection
- are pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- partake in alcohol
- have experienced an allergic reaction to Ultomiris or any of its ingredients
FAQs 😎
Below are responses to some frequently asked questions about Ultomiris for treating myasthenia gravis.
How does Ultomiris stack up against Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are both prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in AChR antibody-positive adults. Here's a comparison breakdown:
| | || --- | --- || Ultomiris | Vyvgart || Form | solution for IV infusion | solution for IV infusion || Dosage frequency | once every 8 weeks | once weekly for 4 weeks || Drug class | complement inhibitor | neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Ultomiris is authorized to treat additional conditions. Your doctor or pharmacist can shed more light on how Ultomiris and Vyvgart differ.
Can I receive Ultomiris infusions at home? 🏠
Yes! It's possible. Your doctor might be able to prescribe Ultomiris for home infusion. With home infusion services, a healthcare professional comes to your abode to administer your medication.
Chat with your doctor to discover whether this service suits your needs.
Ultomiris cost 💰
Ultomiris's cost depends on various factors, including your treatment regimen, insurance plan, and location. The price also depends on the cost of the appointment to receive Ultomiris injections from a healthcare professional.
Ultomiris is a brand-name biologic drug that can't be replicated exactly, unlike generics. Biosimilars are similar alternatives that closely mimic FDA-approved brand-name biologics but are not identical copies.
A program called the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program lends a helping hand with Ultomiris costs. For more info and to learn whether you're eligible for support, call 888-765-4747 or visit the program website.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today strives to ensure that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Please remember, this article is not a replacement for professional healthcare advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication. The drug information provided here is subject to change and is not intended to cover every possible use, instruction, caution, warning, drug interaction, or side effect. A small percentage of people may experience rare side effects not mentioned in this article. If you suspect a side effect, talk to your healthcare provider straight away.
- Ultomiris, a biologic medication, belongs to the class of complement inhibitors and is predominantly prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies.
- The immune system, in individuals with Myasthenia gravis, produces antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors, leading to a chronic autoimmune condition causing muscle fatigue and weakness.
- Ultomiris, by inhibiting the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), facilitates signals from nerve cells to reach muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing strength.
- In promoting health and wellness, understanding chronic diseases like Myasthenia gravis is essential, and this knowledge can help manage medical-conditions like these better.
- Pharmacological science has evolved to develop treatments for numerous conditions, and Ultomiris is just one example, targeting specific immune system components to address issues such as other autoimmune disorders and chronic diseases.
