Efgartigimod alfa

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What is Efgartigimod alfa?[edit | edit source]

  • Efgartigimod alfa (Vyvgart) is a neonatal Fc receptor blocker used for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

What are the uses of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

How does this medicine work?[edit | edit source]

  • Efgartigimod alfa-fcab is a human IgG1 antibody fragment that binds to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), resulting in the reduction of circulating IgG.
  • The medication causes a reduction in overall levels of IgG, including the abnormal acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies that are present in myasthenia gravis.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?[edit | edit source]

  • This medicine have no usage limitations.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?[edit | edit source]

  • Concomitant use of Vyvgart with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) (e.g., immunoglobulin products, monoclonal antibodies, or antibody derivates containing the human Fc domain of the IgG subclass) may lower systemic exposures and reduce effectiveness of such medications.
  • When concomitant long-term use of such medications is essential for patient care, consider discontinuing Vyvgart and using alternative therapies.

Is this medicine FDA approved?[edit | edit source]

  • It was approved for medical use in the United States in December 2021.

How should this medicine be used?[edit | edit source]

  • Because Vyvgart causes transient reduction in IgG levels, immunization with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with Vyvgart.

Recommended dosage:

  • The recommended dosage of Vyvgart is 10 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over one hour once weekly for 4 weeks.
  • In patients weighing 120 kg or more, the recommended dose of Vyvgart is 1200 mg (3 vials) per infusion.
  • Administer subsequent treatment cycles based on clinical evaluation.
  • The safety of initiating subsequent cycles sooner than 50 days from the start of the previous treatment cycle has not been established.
  • If a scheduled infusion is missed, Vyvgart may be administered up to 3 days after the scheduled time point.

Administration:

  • Dilute Vyvgart prior to administration.
  • Administer via intravenous infusion only.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

  • As Injection: 400 mg in 20 mL (20 mg/mL) single-dose vial.

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

  • Vyvgart

What side effects can this medication cause?[edit | edit source]

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

What special precautions should I follow?[edit | edit source]

  • Vyvgart may increase the risk of infection. During treatment with Vyvgart, monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infections. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding Vyvgart until the infection has resolved.
  • Immunization with vaccines during Vyvgart treatment has not been studied. The safety of immunization with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because Vyvgart causes a reduction in IgG levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with Vyvgart.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and dyspnea were observed in Vyvgart-treated patients. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs during administration, discontinue Vyvgart infusion and institute appropriate supportive measures if needed.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?[edit | edit source]

  • In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit | edit source]

  • There are no available data on the use of Vyvgart during pregnancy.

Can this medicine be used in children?[edit | edit source]

  • Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Active ingredient:

  • efgartigimod alfa

Inactive ingredients:

  • arginine hydrochloride
  • polysorbate 80
  • sodium chloride
  • sodium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous
  • sodium phosphate, monobasic, monohydrate
  • water

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Manufactured by:

  • argenx BV
  • Industriepark 7
  • Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Distributed by:

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?[edit | edit source]

  • Store Vyvgart vials refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light until time of use.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Do not shake.
Efgartigimod alfa Resources
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