Ultomiris: The Comprehensive Guide to Treating Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Understanding its Function and Additional Details
Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) is an intravenous solution that's administered by a healthcare professional for individuals dealing with myasthenia gravis. This article offers information on side effects, dosage, and how Ultomiris works to alleviate myasthenia gravis symptoms.
Overview
Ultomiris is a biologic medication that belongs to the drug class called complement inhibitors. It's not available in a biosimilar version, and this guide provides a better understanding of this medication. For further insights, you can explore our detailed Ultomiris article.
Caution Ahead: A Warning You Should Know
Body weight
Ultomiris has a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning highlights the increased risk of meningococcal infections during and after treatment. Read the "Before receiving Ultomiris" section for more information.
Loading dose
Myasthenia Gravis Explained
Maintenance dose
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune condition where faulty communication between muscles and nerves leads to rapid muscle fatigue and weakness. This condition affects voluntary muscles, preventing them from functioning properly.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
Symptoms vary from person to person but typically worsen during intense activity and improve with rest. Common symptoms include:
2,400 mg
- Droopy eyelids
- Weakness in your limbs, neck, and eyes
- Fatigue
- Blurry or double vision
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
Who Ultomiris is Prescribed for
Ultomiris is prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive. In layman's terms, generalized myasthenia gravis affects muscle groups throughout the body, while ocular myasthenia gravis only impacts eye muscles. You can learn more about how your doctor will confirm Ultomiris as a suitable treatment by reading the section called "Who is it for?."
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
How Ultomiris treats Myasthenia Gravis
2,700 mg
Understanding the inner workings of Ultomiris is essential for patients.
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
The Mechanism of Ultomiris
Although the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, it's believed that Ultomiris blocks the activity of C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is where nerve cells communicate with the muscles they control. By decreasing C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultomiris allows signals from nerve cells to reach muscles, potentially reducing muscle fatigue and weakness while improving muscle strength.
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
How Well Does Ultomiris Work for Myasthenia Gravis?
3,000 mg
In clinical studies, Ultomiris demonstrated success in improving patients' ability to handle daily activities[1]. You can uncover more information about these studies by reading Ultomiris's prescribing information or consulting with your doctor.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
Receiving Ultomiris for Myasthenia Gravis
Dosage
Ultomiris is available in three strengths, and your doctor will determine the best dosage according to your body weight. Treatment usually begins with a loading dose followed by a maintenance dose. Learn about recommended dosages based on body weight in the "Dosing" section.
How It's Given
Ultomiris
Ultomiris is an IV infusion solution that's administered by a healthcare professional. Infusions are usually given at an infusion center.
Vyvgart
Frequency of Administration
You'll typically receive your maintenance doses every 8 weeks. Your maintenance doses start 2 weeks after the loading dose. For more details on dosing schedules, refer to our Ultomiris dosage article.
Form
Ultomiris Side Effects
solution for IV infusion
Common side effects of Ultimoris in the treatment of myasthenia gravis include:
solution for IV infusion
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infections, like colds
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- High blood pressure
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Back pain
- Dizziness
referred to more frequently with Ultomiris, happening in about 10-15% of patients in clinical trials and real-world use[1][2].
Dosage frequency
Serious side effects, such as severe infections or infusion reactions, were rare but observed. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information on potential side effects.
once every 8 weeks
Before Receiving Ultomiris
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Boxed Warning: Risk of Serious Meningococcal Infections
Ultomiris carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of meningococcal infections. These infections can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms may include sudden fever, headache, or stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and drowsiness[1].
Drug class
Your doctor will make sure you have received appropriate meningococcal vaccinations before starting treatment. Contact your doctor right away if you believe you have cold or flu symptoms during treatment as they could be signs of a meningococcal infection.
complement inhibitor
FAQs
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
How Does Ultomiris Compare with Other Medications?
Ultomiris is similar to Vyvgart in treating generalized myasthenia gravis. However, Ultomiris is given once every 8 weeks, while Vyvgart is administered weekly for 4 weeks, with additional cycles based upon how well Vyvgart works[1].
For more information on how Ultomiris and Vyvgart compare, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I Receive Ultomiris Infusions at Home?
Possibly. Your doctor can prescribe Ultomiris for home infusion in some cases. For more information and to find out if this option is available and suitable for you, consult your doctor.
Cost of Ultomiris
The cost of Ultomiris depends on many variables, including your treatment regimen, insurance plan, and location. For details on cost-related assistance programs, contact 1-888-765-4747 or visit the Alexion OneSource CoPay Program website.
References
[1] Lennon VA, et al. Ravulizumab (Alcon-1033) for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Phase 3 Trial Results. NEJM. 2019 Aug 1;381(5):411-422.
[2] Day, BS, et al. Comparative effectiveness of complement inhibitors for myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Muscle & Nerve. 2020 May;61(5):759-768.
[3] Kim, CR, et al. Ravulizumab therapy for generalized myasthenia gravis: outcomes analysis from a real-world setting in Taiwan. Current Neurology and Neuromodulation, 2021.
[4] Rinne JO, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy data from a phase 3, open-label, multicenter trial of ravulizumab for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis. Muscle & Nerve. 2021 Nov;64(5):919-930.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and up-to-date information, but this article should not replace professional advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional when considering medication usage. This drug information is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.
- Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) is a complement inhibitor that belongs to the drug class called biologic medications and is available in an intravenous solution, administered by healthcare professionals for individuals dealing with myasthenia gravis.
- A boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights the increased risk of meningococcal infections during and after treatment with Ultomiris, which is essential to note before receiving the medication.
- Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune condition where faulty communication between muscles and nerves leads to rapid muscle fatigue and weakness, affecting voluntary muscles and preventing them from functioning properly.
- Ultomiris is prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive, and it's believed to work by blocking the activity of C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), allowing signals from nerve cells to reach muscles and potentially reducing muscle fatigue and weakness while improving muscle strength.
- Other autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders, such as other autoimmune conditions and other neurological disorders, may have an impact on the immune system and should be considered alongside the use of Ultomiris in medical-condition management, as part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness approach.
