Rystiggo 840mg/6ml Sdv Inj, 6ml

Manufacturer UCB PHARMA Active Ingredient Rozanolixizumab(roz AN oh lix IZ ue mab) Pronunciation roe-za-noe-LIX-iz-oo-mab
It is used to treat myasthenia gravis.
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Drug Class
Immunosuppressant
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Pharmacologic Class
Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) Blocker
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Pregnancy Category
Not available
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FDA Approved
Jun 2023
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Rystiggo is a medicine given by infusion into a vein to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). It works by lowering the levels of certain antibodies in your blood that cause the muscle weakness in gMG. By reducing these harmful antibodies, Rystiggo helps to improve your muscle strength and reduce your symptoms.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is administered as an infusion into the fatty tissue under the skin over a specified period. You will be closely monitored during and after the infusion. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Report any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat) to your doctor immediately.
  • Discuss any planned vaccinations with your doctor before receiving Rystiggo, especially live vaccines.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene to help prevent infections.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding other medications for myasthenia gravis.
  • Attend all scheduled infusions and follow-up appointments.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 7 mg/kg (actual body weight) administered as an intravenous infusion over approximately 1 hour once weekly for 6 weeks. Subsequent treatment cycles are based on clinical evaluation.
Dose Range: 7 - 7 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

generalized_myasthenia_gravis: 7 mg/kg (actual body weight) IV infusion once weekly for 6 weeks. Subsequent cycles determined by clinical response.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment recommended.
Moderate: No dose adjustment recommended.
Severe: No dose adjustment recommended.
Dialysis: No dose adjustment recommended. Rozanolixizumab is a large protein and not expected to be removed by dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment recommended.
Moderate: No dose adjustment recommended.
Severe: No dose adjustment recommended.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Rozanolixizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). This binding prevents FcRn from recycling immunoglobulin G (IgG), leading to reduced serum IgG levels, including pathogenic autoantibodies that drive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 100% (IV administration)
Tmax: End of infusion
FoodEffect: Not applicable (IV administration)

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 6.9 L
ProteinBinding: Not applicable (binds to FcRn, not plasma proteins in the traditional sense)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 13.5 days (mean terminal half-life)
Clearance: Approximately 0.37 L/day
ExcretionRoute: Primarily catabolism; not renally or hepatically eliminated as intact drug.
Unchanged: Not applicable (catabolized)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Reduction in total IgG levels observed within days of first dose.
PeakEffect: Maximum reduction in total IgG levels typically observed by the end of the 6-week treatment cycle.
DurationOfAction: IgG levels begin to return towards baseline after treatment cessation, with clinical effects lasting for several weeks to months depending on individual patient response.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of infection, including:
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe sore throat
+ Ear or sinus pain
+ Cough
+ Increased or discolored sputum
+ Painful urination
+ Mouth sores
+ Wounds that do not heal
Symptoms of aseptic meningitis, a severe brain problem, such as:
+ Headache
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe nausea or vomiting
+ Stiff neck
+ Rash
+ Sensitivity to light
+ Drowsiness
+ Confusion

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only mild ones, it is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Headache
Common cold symptoms
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Mild fever
Upset stomach
Joint pain
Irritation at the injection site

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Signs of serious infection: fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, painful urination, skin redness/swelling/warmth.
  • Signs of allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, feeling faint.
  • Symptoms of infusion-related reactions: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle/joint/back pain, flushing, rash, itching, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms: increased muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you currently have an infection.

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:

All medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have.

To ensure your safety, carefully review all your medications and health conditions with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to take this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

While taking this drug, you may be more susceptible to infections. To minimize this risk, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or the flu.

Before receiving any vaccinations, consult with your doctor, as the use of certain vaccines in conjunction with this medication may increase the risk of infection or reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. Ensure that you are up to date with all recommended vaccinations before initiating treatment with this drug.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Symptoms of overdose are not well-established. High doses may lead to excessive reduction in IgG levels, potentially increasing infection risk.

What to Do:

In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency medical services immediately. The national poison control center number is 1-800-222-1222. Management would be supportive, monitoring for adverse effects, particularly infection.

Drug Interactions

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Immunization status

Rationale: To ensure patient is up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for live attenuated vaccines, which should be avoided during treatment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment.

Signs and symptoms of infection

Rationale: To assess baseline infection risk, as FcRn blockers may increase susceptibility to infection.

Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment.

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Routine Monitoring

Signs and symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, chills, malaise, localized infection)

Frequency: Throughout treatment and for several weeks after the last dose.

Target: Absence of infection

Action Threshold: Promptly evaluate and treat any signs or symptoms of infection.

Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, urticaria, dyspnea, hypotension)

Frequency: During and after infusion, and with subsequent doses.

Target: Absence of reaction

Action Threshold: Stop infusion immediately and initiate appropriate medical management.

Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting (related to infusion-related reactions)

Frequency: During and after infusion.

Target: Absence of severe symptoms

Action Threshold: Slow or interrupt infusion, administer symptomatic treatment.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, unusual fatigue, localized pain/swelling)
  • Signs of hypersensitivity reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, dizziness, lightheadedness)
  • Symptoms of infusion-related reactions (headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, chest pain, flushing, rash, pruritus, dyspnea, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, paresthesia, tremor, blurred vision, dry mouth, throat irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, dysphagia, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, urinary frequency, dysuria, peripheral edema, asthenia, malaise, feeling hot, feeling cold)
  • Signs of worsening myasthenia gravis symptoms (e.g., increased muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Rystiggo in pregnant women. IgG antibodies are known to cross the placental barrier. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consider monitoring IgG levels in infants exposed in utero.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for drug exposure to fetus, but specific risks are unknown.
Second Trimester: Increased placental transfer of IgG antibodies, potential for fetal exposure.
Third Trimester: Highest placental transfer of IgG antibodies, potential for fetal exposure and effects on neonatal immune system (e.g., transient hypogammaglobulinemia).
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Lactation

Rozanolixizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, and human IgG is known to be present in breast milk. The effects of rozanolixizumab on the breastfed infant and on milk production are unknown. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother’s clinical need for Rystiggo and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Rystiggo or from the underlying maternal condition. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of infection.

Infant Risk: L3 (Moderate risk - no human data, but drug properties suggest possible risk. Weigh benefits/risks.)
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Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

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Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients (β‰₯65 years) and younger patients. No dose adjustment is required based on age.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Rystiggo is specifically approved for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and is administered by IV infusion.
  • Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection throughout treatment and for several weeks after the last dose, as FcRn blockers can increase infection risk.
  • Infusion-related reactions are common; patients should be monitored during and after infusion. Pre-medication may be considered for patients who experience these reactions.
  • Live attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently with Rystiggo. Discuss vaccination status and plans with patients.
  • The treatment cycle is 6 weeks, with subsequent cycles based on clinical response and physician discretion.
  • Rystiggo significantly reduces IgG levels, including pathogenic autoantibodies, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect in gMG.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Efgartigimod (Vyvgart) - another FcRn blocker for gMG
  • Eculizumab (Soliris) - C5 complement inhibitor for gMG
  • Ravulizumab (Ultomiris) - C5 complement inhibitor for gMG
  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)
  • Plasma Exchange (PLEX)
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., Azathioprine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Highly variable, typically >$10,000 per vial per 840mg/6ml vial
Insurance Coverage: Specialty Tier (requires prior authorization, often subject to step therapy)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for the recommended disposal method. Unless instructed to do so, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as this can harm the environment. Many communities have drug take-back programs; your pharmacist can provide information on these programs. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet; consult your pharmacist if you have questions. If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred to ensure prompt and effective treatment.