Myasthenia Gravis Treatment with Ultomiris: Its Mechanism, Benefits, and Beyond
Rewritten Article
Hey there! Let's chat about Ultimizin, a lifesaver for those battling myasthenia gravis. This article covers the ins and outs of this medication, including its workings, side effects, and dosage.
Ultimizin is an intravenous (IV) infusion solution that your healthcare provider KO's. It's a biologic belonging to the complement inhibitors drug class. Unlike other drugs, you can't find a biosimilar version of Ultimizin.
Want more deets? Check out this in-depth Ultimizin article.
Ultimizin sports a boxed warning. That's the FDA's most serious warning. For the scoop, see the "Before diving into Ultimizin" section.
Myasthenia Gravis: The Lowdown
With myasthenia gravis, faulty communication between muscles and nerves causes your voluntary muscles to tire quickly and weaken. It's a chronic (long-term) autoimmune condition, meaning your immune system attacks your own cells by mistake.
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
Body weight
Symptoms vary from person to person, but they usually worsen during active periods and improve with rest. Keep an eye out for:
- droopy eyelids
- weak muscles in your limbs, neck, and eyes
- exhaustion
- blurry or double vision
- trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, or breathing
Loading dose
Who Ultimizin is for
Ultimizin is for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies.
Maintenance dose
- "Generalized" means multiple muscle groups are affected. gMG is different from ocular myasthenia gravis, which only targets the eye muscles.
- "Anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive" means your immune system cranks out antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that fires up signals causing muscles to contract.
Before your doc prescribes Ultimizin, they might run a blood test to check if your gMG is AChR antibody positive. They can share more on whether Ultimizin is suitable for your particular brand of myasthenia gravis.
How Ultimizin fights myasthenia gravis
If your doc slides you an Ultimizin script, you might be curious about how it works its magic on myasthenia gravis.
40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb)
How Ultimizin whips myasthenia gravis
while the exact method is unclear, it's thought that Ultimizin lowers the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is where nerve cells chat with the muscles they control. By bringing down C5 activity at the NMJ, Ultimizin helps nerve signals reach your muscles. This could reduce fatigue and muscle weakness, potentially boosting muscle strength.
2,400 mg
How well Ultimizin works for myasthenia gravis
In clinical studies, Ultimizin showed promise in improving the ability to perform daily tasks for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis who tested positive for AChR antibodies.
3,000 mg every 8 weeks
You can learn more about these studies by X-raying the prescribing information for Ultimizin. Your doc or pharmacist can fill you in on the nuts and bolts of the studies.
Receiving Ultimizin for myasthenia gravis
Here's the scoop on the usual Ultimizin dosage for myasthenia gravis. Your doc will serve up the best dosage for your bod. Hit 'em up with questions about your Ultimizin dosage or administration if there's anything unclear.
Ultimizin is available in three strengths:
60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb)
- 300 milligrams (mg)/30 milliliters (mL)
- 300 mg/3 mL
- 1,100 mg/11 mL
Dosage
2,700 mg
The recommended Ultimizin dosages for treating myasthenia gravis hinge on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kilogram equals approximately 2.2 pounds (lb).
Ultimizin treatment kicks off with a loading dose. Two weeks post loading dose, you'll carry on with the maintenance dose, usually given every 8 weeks.
3,300 mg every 8 weeks
The following chart outlines recommended Ultimizin dosages based on body weight:
| | | || --- | --- | --- || Body weight | Loading dose | Maintenance dose || 40 kg to less than 60 kg (approximately 88 lb to less than 132 lb) | 2,400 mg | 3,000 mg every 8 weeks || 60 kg to less than 100 kg (approximately 132 lb to less than 220 lb) | 2,700 mg | 3,300 mg every 8 weeks || 100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more) | 3,000 mg | 3,600 mg every 8 weeks |
Note: In addition to treating myasthenia gravis, Ultimizin gets used for other purposes. Remember that the drug's dosage may vary when used for other conditions. Hit up your doc for the full story.
How Ultimizin is administered
100 kg or more (approximately 220 lb or more)
Ultimizin is a solution for IV infusion. A healthcare professional will administer your Ultimizin infusions at an infusion center.
How often Ultimizin is administered
3,000 mg
You'll typically receive your Ultimizin maintenance doses every 8 weeks. You'll probably start receiving maintenance doses 2 weeks after your loading dose.
For more info on Ultimizin dosing schedules, check out this Ultimizin dosage article. Your doc or pharmacist can help clarify any questions you might have.
3,600 mg every 8 weeks
Ultimizin side effects
Using Ultimizin for myasthenia gravis may bring on side effects that are mild to severe.
Before you start using Ultimizin, it's essential to know that it is also approved for treating:
- paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)
- neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
It's crucial to recognize that side effects from Ultimizin may change depending on the condition it's used to treat.
Here's a lowdown on some main side effects linked to Ultimizin:
- diarrhea
- common cold
- abdominal pain
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- backache
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- mild infusion reactions, including:
- muscle spasms
- soreness in your arms or legs
These side effects from Ultimizin might be short-lived, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they endure or turn serious, it's vital to shoot your doc or pharmacist a message.
Ultomiris
Serious side effects of Ultimizin
Though uncommon, severe side effects have been reported with Ultimizin. These include:
Vyvgart
- serious infections, including COVID-19 and pneumonia
- serious infusion reactions, including:
- high or low blood pressure
- severe shivering, chills, and fever
- the risk of severe meningococcal infections (see "Before Using Ultimizin")
If you experience serious side effects while using Ultimizin, call your doc pronto. If the side effects seem life-threatening or feel like an emergency, contact 911 or your local emergency number right away.
ALLERGIC REACTIONUltimizin might trigger an allergic reaction for some people.
In general, symptoms of allergic reactions can be mild or severe.
Form
How to deal
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, like a rash, drop your doc a line right away. They may recommend treatments to manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.
solution for IV infusion
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, dial 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require prompt medical care, as they could become life-threatening. In case you've had a severe allergic reaction to a drug, your doc might suggest a different med instead.
Before Using Ultimizin
solution for IV infusion
Before you start using Ultimizin, there are some critical details to bear in mind. Ultimizin might not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Here are some highlights:
Boxed Warning: Risk of serious meningococcal infections
Ultimizin carries a boxed warning for the risk of serious meningococcal infections. That's the FDA's most serious warning.
Using Ultimizin raises the risk for serious meningococcal infections, such as meningitis. These infections can be deadly. Symptoms of a meningococcal infection include:
Dosage frequency
- sudden fever, headache, or neck stiffness
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
- fatigue
What to do
once every 8 weeks
Before you kick off using Ultimizin, your doc will ensure you're up-to-date on meningococcal vaccines. If not, they'll chuck you a vaccine dose at least 2 weeks before you start Ultimizin treatment. In emergency cases, they might have you start treatment sooner than 2 weeks after the meningococcal vaccine. If this applies to you, they'll probably prescribe antibiotics to help shield you from infection, which you'll take for the first 2 weeks following your first Ultimizin infusion.
The risk of serious meningococcal infections stretches throughout treatment with Ultimizin and for at least 8 months after your last dose. Shout out to your doc if you think you have symptoms of a meningococcal infection during this time. But dial 911 or head to the nearest emergency room if your symptoms seem life threatening.
once weekly for 4 weeks; your doctor may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms
Because of this risk, Ultimizin is only available under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. As part of that program, you'll need to carry the Ultimizin Patient Safety Card during treatment and for at least 8 months after your last dose. You can learn more about the Ultimizin REMS program at the program website or by phoning 1-888-765-4747.
Other Warnings
Beyond boxed warnings, Ultimizin boasts other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other aspects of your health apply to you, jibber-jabber with your doc before using Ultimizin if you:
- have an active infection
- are pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- booze
- have had an allergic reaction to Ultimizin or any of its components
Drug class
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ultimizin for treating myasthenia gravis.
complement inhibitor
How does Ultimizin compare to Vyvgart?
Ultimizin and Vyvgart are both on the market for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for AChR antibodies. Below's a comparison table:
neonatal Fc receptor blocker
| | || --- | --- || Ultimizin | Vyvgart || Form | solution for IV infusion | solution for IV infusion || Dosage frequency | once every 8 weeks | once weekly for 4 weeks; your doc may prescribe additional cycles based on how well Vyvgart works for your symptoms || Drug class | complement inhibitor | neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
Unlike Vyvgart, Ultimizin is also approved for treating other conditions.
Your doc or pharmacist can offer more information on how Ultimizin and Vyvgart compare.
Can I get Ultimizin infusions at home?
It's possible. Your doc might allow you to score Ultimizin infusions at home, with a healthcare professional coming to your crib to administer the med.
Hit up your doc to learn more about whether this option is available and right for you.
Ultimizin Cost
The Ultimizin cost varies, with factors like your prescribed treatment routine, insurance plan, location, and the price of the appointment to receive Ultimizin infusions coming into play.
Ultimizin is a brand-name biologic drug, and since it's not possible to replicate biologics exactly, a generic version doesn't exist. Biosimilars are close alternatives that mimic FDA-approved brand-name biologics, but without being exact copies[2].
The Alexion OneSource CoPay Program is in play for Ultimizin. For more deets and to find out if you qualify for assistance, call 888-765-4747 or visit the program website.
Disclaimer: This article should not be used as a replacement for the expertise and knowledge of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doc or another healthcare provider before taking any medication. The drug info included in this article is subject to change and isn't meant to cover all potential uses, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or side effects. If a drug's active ingredients, precautions, warnings, or indications change, this article may not be updated to reflect those changes. Always consult your healthcare provider for the most up-to-date medical advice.
[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approvals-process/how-drugs-are-developed-and-approved
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/research-development/generic-drugs-answers-frequently-asked-questions
[3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/761252s014lbl.pdf
- Ultimizin is a biologic belonging to the complement inhibitors drug class, which is an intravenous (IV) infusion solution that your healthcare provider administers.
- It's a chronic (long-term) autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis that causes faulty communication between muscles and nerves, resulting in symptoms such as exhaustion, blurry or double vision, weak muscles in your limbs, neck, and eyes, and trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
- Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system attacks your own cells by mistake, and one of its types, generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), is targeted by Ultimizin.
- Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked by antibodies produced by your immune system in gMG, and Ultimizin works by lowering the activity of a complement system protein called C5 at the neuromuscular junction, potentially reducing fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Ultimizin is used for managing other autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, chronic diseases, and medical conditions besides myasthenia gravis, but it's essential to recognize that the drug's dosage may vary for different conditions.
