Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Exploration: Delving into the Function and Aspects of Ultomiris
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Ultomiris - A fancy, IV drip for myasthenia gravis. This article checks out the side effects, dosage, and how this bad boy works.
Ultomiris is a biologic infused solution, administered by a healthcare professional. Belonging to the drug class called complement inhibitors, it's not available as a generic or biosimilar alternative.
For the details on the FDA's stern warning, head over to the "Before receiving Ultomiris" section. You can also check out this comprehensive Ultomiris article for more insights.
The lowdown on myasthenia gravis
Body weight
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune condition that messes with your voluntary muscles, causing them to tire quickly and weaken. Symptoms often worsen with activity and improve with rest. Sure, these symptoms can include:
Loading dose
- drooping eyelids
- weak muscles in limbs, neck, and eyes
- fatigue
- blurry or double vision
- difficulties with chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
Maintenance dose
Who gets Ultomiris?
Ultomiris is prescribed for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are AChR antibody-positive.
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
- gMG affects muscle groups throughout the body, unlike ocular myasthenia gravis, which only impacts eye muscles.
- AChR antibody-positive means your body produces antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, helps muscles contract.
2,400 mg
Before doling out Ultomiris, your doctor might run a blood test to confirm if your myasthenia gravis is AChR antibody-positive. Your doc can provide more context on whether Ultomiris is your jam for managing this condition.
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
How Ultomiris tames myasthenia gravis
Wanna know how Ultomiris gets the job done? While the exact mechanism ain't fully understood, it's believed to interfere with a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
The NMJ is a communication hub where nerve cells chat with the muscles they control. By cutting back on C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultomiris helps those nerve signals reach their intended muscle destinations, ultimately reducing fatigue and muscle weakness, and boosting muscle strength.
2,700 mg
Results from Ultomiris's reign on myasthenia gravis
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
In clinical studies, Ultomiris proved effective in improving the ability to carry out daily tasks for adults with gMG who were AChR antibody-positive. For more deets on these studies, feast your eyes on Ultomiris's prescribing information. Your doc or pharmacist can also fill you in on the specifics.
Dosage and delivery of Ultomiris
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Ultomiris is dispensed in three concentrations:
3,000 mg
- 300mg/30mL
- 300mg/3mL
- 1,100mg/11mL
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
The recommended Ultomiris dosages for myasthenia gravis are:
| Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose ||--------------|--------------|------------------|| 40-60 kg | 2,400mg | 3,000mg every 8 weeks || 60-100 kg | 2,700mg | 3,300mg every 8 weeks || 100+ kg | 3,000mg | 3,600mg every 8 weeks |
Heads up: Ultomiris can be used to treat other conditions as well. Keep in mind, the dosage may differ for those applications. Talk to your doc for more information.
Ultomiris comes as a liquid for IV infusion. A healthcare professional administers the Ultomiris infusion at an infusion center.
Ultomiris
In most cases, you'll receive your maintenance doses every 8 weeks, starting 2 weeks after the loading dose.
Vyvgart
Side effects of Ultomiris
Treatment with Ultomiris might cause side effects, some mild and some severe.
Form
Trivia Time:
solution for IV infusion
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory infections (common cold)
- abdominal pain
- UTIs
- back pain
- dizziness
- mild infusion reactions (e.g., muscle spasms, arm or leg discomfort)
solution for IV infusion
These side effects might be temporary and subside within a few days to weeks. But if they stick around or seem bothersome, chat with your doc or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects:
Dosage frequency
- severe infusion reactions (e.g., increased/decreased blood pressure, severe shivering, chills, and fever)
- risk of serious meningococcal infections (more on that next)
once every 8 weeks
Ultra-serious allergic reactions to Ultomiris may occur, too. If you notice any signs, give your doc a ring right away. For emergency responses, call 911 or your local emergency number.
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Serious meningococcal infections - the lowdown
Ultomiris carries a boxed warning for its links to serious meningococcal infections. Ready for the nitty-gritty?
Drug class
Treatment with Ultomiris increases the risk for meningococcal infections, such as meningitis. These infections can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:
complement inhibitor
- fever, headache, or stiff neck
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
- drowsiness
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
Before receiving Ultomiris
Prior to Ultomiris therapy, it's important to consider several factors:
Boxed warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections
Ultomiris ups the chances for serious meningococcal infections, such as meningitis. Symptoms can be severe and might require immediate medical attention.
Before you start Ultomiris, your doctor will ensure you're up-to-date with meningococcal vaccines. If necessary, your doc will administer the vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start Ultomiris treatment. In urgent cases, your doctor might recommend starting treatment sooner and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection for the first 2 weeks following your first Ultomiris infusion.
Keep in mind, the meningococcal infection risk lasts throughout Ultomiris therapy and for at least 8 months post-treatment. If you develop signs or symptoms of a meningococcal infection, contact your doctor immediately. However, if your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.
Other important factors to consider
Ultomiris may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or other health factors. If any of the following apply to you, discuss it with your doctor before receiving Ultomiris:
- active infections
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
- allergies (e.g., to Ultomiris or any of its components)
FAQs about Ultomiris
Want to know how Ultomiris compares to Vyvgart, or if you can receive Ultomiris infusions at home? Check out the FAQs below for answers to common questions.
How does Ultomiris compare to Vyvgart?
Ultomiris and Vyvgart are both used to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in AChR antibody-positive individuals.
| | Ultomiris | Vyvgart ||----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|| Form | solution for IV infusion | solution for IV infusion || Dosage frequency | once every 8 weeks | once weekly for 4 weeks; additional cycles may be prescribed based on symptom response || Drug class | complement inhibitor | neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Ultomiris is also approved to treat other conditions, unlike Vyvgart.
For more information, chat with your doc or pharmacist about the differences between these medications.
Home infusions for Ultomiris
It's possible to receive Ultomiris infusions at home. With home infusion services, a healthcare professional visits your home to administer an infusion. Talk with your doctor to determine if this option suits your needs.
Ultomiris cost
Several factors affect the cost of Ultomiris, including your treatment regimen, insurance coverage, location, and administration costs. Ultomiris is a brand-name biologic drug without a biosimilar alternative. A support program called the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program can help manage the cost of Ultomiris. Learn more about the program and apply for support by calling 888-765-4747 or visiting the program website.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information provided. However, this article should not replace professional medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before beginning any medication, including Ultomiris. The drug information presented here is subject to change and may not cover all potential uses, precautions, warnings, interactions, adverse effects, or allergic reactions.
References
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ravulizumab.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-tests/about/pac-20384675
- https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ravulizumab-cwvz-and-hayfever.html
- Ultomiris, a complement inhibitor, is not available as a generic or biosimilar alternative.
- The immune system and other autoimmune disorders are related to Ultomiris, as it works by interfering with a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction.
- Proteins and science play a significant role in understanding how Ultomiris functions, as it affects the protein C5 to improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue in individuals with myasthenia gravis.
- Health-and-wellness considerations are important when prescribing Ultomiris, as it carries a boxed warning for its links to serious meningococcal infections.
- For managing myasthenia gravis, Ultomiris is prescribing for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis who are AChR antibody-positive, and dosage varies based on body weight.
- Side effects of Ultomiris can include dizziness, diarrhea, and mild infusion reactions, while severe side effects may include severe infusion reactions, serious meningococcal infections, and ultra-serious allergic reactions.
- In the realm of medical-conditions treatment, Ultomiris also has uses beyond myasthenia gravis, but dosage may differ for those applications. Discuss this with a doctor for more information.
