Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase

Generic name: efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase [ EF-gar-TIG-i-mod-AL-fa-HYE-al-ure-ON-i-dase ]
Brand name: Vyvgart Hytrulo
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (qvfc 180 mg-2000 units/mL)
Drug class: Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase?

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase is used to treat myasthenia gravis in adults.

Your doctor will make sure you have the correct type to be treated with efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase.

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, sore throat;

• mouth sores, red or swollen gums;

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or

• chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss.

Your treatment may be delayed if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase may include:

• pain and burning when you urinate;

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• muscle pain, headache; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Vyvgart, Zilbrysq, pyridostigmine, Mestinon, neostigmine, Ultomiris, Soliris

Warnings

You may get infections more easily. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, fever, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• use any other medications;

• if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or

• an active or recent infection.

Tell your doctor if you recently received a vaccine.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase.

It is not known if efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your baby's doctor if you used efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase during pregnancy. It could affect your baby's vaccination schedule.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase.

How is efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase given?

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase is the right treatment for you.

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase is given once a week for 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you will receive of this medicine.

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

After receiving an injection, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not have serious side effects.

You may get infections more easily. You may need frequent medical tests.

Efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Myasthenia Gravis:

Usual dose: 1,008 mg / 11,200 units (1,008 mg efgartigimod alfa and 11,200 units hyaluronidase) subcutaneously over approximately 30 to 90 seconds once weekly for 4 weeks.

Duration of therapy: 4 weeks

Comments:
-The decision to proceed with additional 4 week treatment cycles should be based on clinical assessment.
-The safety of initiating subsequent cycles within a period shorter than 50 days from the beginning of the previous treatment cycle has not been confirmed.
-Due to the transient decrease in IgG levels caused by this drug product, immunization with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during the treatment. Before starting a new treatment cycle with this drug product, it is important to assess the necessity of administering age-appropriate immunizations based on immunization guidelines.

Use: For the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine. The vaccine may not work as well while you are receiving efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase?

Other drugs may affect efgartigimod alfa-hyaluronidase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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