New Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis: Vyvgart

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that has the potential to lead to skeletal muscle weakness. This is due to the antibodies destroying the connection between the muscles and nerves in this disorder. It has an effect on the voluntary muscles of the body, including the throat, mouth, eyes, and limbs. It may hit at any age, yet most probably it affects older men of 50 and younger women of 20 to 30. The exact cause of myasthenia gravis is not known, and it is incurable. However, there is a chance to treat with a medication that may help manage the disease. It may make your life more functional.

Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis with Vyvgart

Vyvgart is a neonatal Fc receptor blocker implied in order to treat myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

How does Vyvgart works?

Vyvgart is a medication specially designed to attach and block neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). It results in the decrease of IgG antibodies, including AChR antibodies that lead to severe gMG symptoms. Basically, what happens in FcRn receptors has the tendency to extend the life of IgG antibodies. So, when these receptors are blocked by Vyvgart and decrease the antibodies that play a role in causing MG symptoms, it automatically reduces the dispute between nerve-muscle communication. When AChR antibodies are removed, they are no longer available to cause MS by destroying the communication between nerves and muscles. Therefore, the research presents Vyvgart as effective in order to control Myasthenia gravis and its symptoms.

Administration and dosage of Vyvgart

Vyvgart is administered as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional as per a doctor’s directions. Usually, this medication is given over one hour, once weekly, for around 4 weeks. However, its dosage depends upon the medical condition, weight, and the response of the patient to treatment. Roughly, patients with a weight of 120 kg or even more should take around 1200 mg per infusion.

It is recommended by the doctor to dilute Vyvgart IV with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP before administration. Doctors recommend administering the following treatment cycles that depend upon the clinical evaluation. People who feel complications or do not feel any better after infusions of Vyvgart should contact their physicians as soon as possible.

Overdose

Whenever you take a medicine, make sure you take a correct dosage. Never overdose with the medicine. Similarly, an overdosage of Vyvgart may lead to severe symptoms, including being out of breath. You should undergo medical tests, including CBC, before utilizing this medicine. Try not to take it after storage in the home. It can only be given at the clinic, and accurate dosage can be ensured at the clinic. Follow all precautions before taking any medicines.

Precautions

You should follow all precautions when taking any medication. Otherwise, you may cause more health concerns for yourself.

It is essential to tell your past history of allergies and infections to the pharmacist or doctor before using Vyvgart. If you have other problems, this medication may cause health concerns for you. It has inactive ingredients that lead to problems with other reactions. Therefore, there is a need to tell every medical detail to the doctor.

This medication, no doubt, is effective for MS. However, it has the tendency to cause serious infections or worsen other current or recent infections. Try to avoid contact with the people who currently or recently have chickenpox, flu, or measles. If you are going to have any immunization or vaccination, tell the doctor about your Vyvgart prescription. Try not to be in contact with anyone who has acquired live vaccines recently.

Additionally, it is crucial to discuss Vyvgart before having any surgery. If your other physician recommends you take medicine for any other health concern, tell him about Vyvgart. Never take herbal products, non-prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins without consulting your doctor.

If you’re pregnant or planning to conceive, let the doctor know about it. Because during pregnancy, it should only be given when badly needed. The risks and advantages of Vyvgart should be discussed with pregnant women. Also, mothers who have used Vyvgart to manage MG during or right before pregnancy should consult their doctor about vaccinations for newborns. The research is not evident whether the drug passes into breast milk or not. However, if you’re breastfeeding, always tell your doctor.

FDA approved

The efficacy and safety of Vyvgart has been evaluated before approval. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Vyvgart in order to treat myasthenia gravis (gMG). They have observed the clinical study of 26 weeks with 167 patients of myasthenia gravis. The study shows that patients with MG with antibodies were more likely to respond well to the treatment during the first cycle of Vyvgart. The FDA has confirmed the efficacy of this medication after clinical trials. They have also observed the side effects. Let’s have a look at the side effects.

Side effects

Medications come with both their pros and cons. Here are the common yet severe side effects of Vyvgart.

Common side effects include:

• Muscle pain, numbness, and tingling on the skin
• Severe sore throat
• Burning and painful urination
• Fever
• Chill and cough
• Rash and itching on tongue and face
• Dizziness and difficulty in breathing

These side effects occur as the medication reduces the ability of a person to fight infections. It eventually makes you more prone to having other infections. Therefore, if you feel any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Infection

Vyvgart is more inclined to elevate the risk of infection. The research shows that people taking Vyvgart are more prone to having urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections. Most of the infections and hematologic abnormalities caused by Vyvgart are mild to moderate. Those who have an active infection should delay the dosage of this medication as it may lead to more severe consequences. Patients should try to monitor their clinical signs of infections while being treated with Vyvgart.

Learn more about Vyvgart.