09/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2024 09:38
Key takeaways:
Briumvi (ublituximab) is an IV treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). After the first two infusions, it's typically administered every 24 weeks (about twice a year) by a healthcare professional.
The first Briumvi infusion is 150 mg administered over 4 hours. After that, the infusions are about 1 hour long, and contain a 450 mg dose each time. If you have an infusion reaction, the infusion will take longer because your care team will slow down or stop the infusion.
Before your Briumvi infusions, you'll be asked questions and have testing done by your healthcare team. This will help ensure that you can safely receive your Briumvi dose.
If you or a loved one is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are several treatment options that can help reduce relapses. Briumvi (ublituximab) - a type of biologic called a monoclonal antibody that's administered as an IV infusion - is one of them. The FDA approved Briumvi for relapsing forms of MS in 2022.
If you're prescribed Briumvi, there are a few things to be aware of as you're getting started. We'll cover what to expect with your infusions, as well as recommended Briumvi dosages, below.
When you're first starting Briumvi, it can help to know what to expect with the infusions. Before getting your first dose, your healthcare team will test you for hepatitis B virus. This is because Briumvi may reactivate a previous hepatitis B infection.
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You'll also have your immunoglobulins, or antibodies, tested since Briumvi may lower them. Your care team will make sure you still have enough antibodies to fight off infections while receiving Briumvi. And if you're able to get pregnant, you may be given a pregnancy test before each infusion. This is because Briumvi can harm a growing fetus.
On a typical infusion day, you'll spend about 30 to 60 minutes with your care team before the infusion. They'll review your current health status and answer any questions you have about the infusion. You'll also receive pre-infusion medications, such as a steroid and antihistamines, orally or through your IV about 30 minutes before the infusion starts. This helps lower the chance of having an infusion reaction.
Most Briumvi infusions typically take about 1 hour. The first dose is an exception; it takes about 4 hours (as discussed below).
After the first two infusions, your healthcare team will ask you to stay at the facility for at least 1 hour. That way, they can be there to help if you experience a reaction. At your third infusion, you may be able to leave right after it's finished, if you haven't had any reactions after the first two.
Keep in mind that infusion reactions can happen up to 24 hours after getting Briumvi.
There are a few things you can try to help make your Briumvi infusion day go a bit better, including:
Wearing loose-fitting clothing so your healthcare team can access your arm for the infusion easily
Packing items that can help pass the time, such as electronic devices or books
Bringing water and something to eat, if your infusion center allows
Bringing a blanket and/or pillow to help you stay comfortable
Good to know: Notify the infusion center beforehand if you're feeling sick on the day of your infusion. They may recommend postponing the infusion until you're feeling better.
As mentioned above, Briumvi is an IV infusion that must be administered by a healthcare professional, usually in an infusion center. The typical Briumvi dosage depends on which dose you're receiving:
First dose: 150 mg administered as a 4-hour infusion
Second dose: given 2 weeks after the first dose; 450 mg administered as a 1-hour infusion
Third dose and beyond: given 24 weeks after your first infusion, then every 24 weeks (about twice a year) after that; 450 mg administered as a 1-hour infusion
There are adjustments that may need to be made during your Briumvi infusions. Although the total amount of the medication you receive won't change, how fast it's administered could be different. This is because infusion reactions are possible with Briumvi. Common symptoms of an infusion reaction include fever, chills, and headaches. More serious symptoms can include trouble breathing, feeling faint, or swelling of the tongue or throat.
If you're having a mild-to-moderate infusion reaction, your healthcare team will slow the rate of your infusion. After 30 minutes, they will likely speed up the rate if your symptoms resolve.
If you have a severe infusion reaction, your infusion will be stopped and you may receive other treatments to help with the reaction. Once all your symptoms have resolved, your infusion will be restarted at a slower rate.
If you have a serious, life-threatening infusion reaction or allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis), the infusion will need to be stopped immediately. And your prescriber will likely recommend no longer receiving Briumvi.
After the first two doses, you'll receive Briumvi just twice a year. Your healthcare team will help you plan for those doses. But in the case that you have to miss or delay a dose, work with your care team to get it as soon as possible.
Once you receive the missed dose, your healthcare team will schedule you an appointment for your next dose (about 24 weeks later). Keep in mind that your doses should be at least 5 months (20 weeks) apart.
Briumvi (ublituximab) is a biologic treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It's an IV infusion administered by a healthcare professional, typically every 24 weeks. Your first Briumvi dose will be 150 mg, administered over 4 hours. After that, the doses will be 450 mg, administered over 1 hour.
Prior to receiving an infusion, you'll receive medication that helps lower the risk of having an infusion reaction. If you have an infusion reaction, the infusion center staff will slow the rate of your infusion. But if your symptoms are severe or life-threatening, the infusion will be stopped.
Your healthcare team can answer any specific questions you have about your Briumvi infusions. They can also let you know what to expect during the infusions, so that you have a positive experience.
Cáceres, M. C., et al. (2019). The importance of early identification of infusion-related reactions to monoclonal antibodies. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
TG Therapeutics, Inc. (2023). Briumvi - ublituximab injection, solution, concentrate [package insert]. DailyMed.
Vaillant, A. A. J., et al. (2023). Immunoglobulin. StatPearls.
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