Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)

Vyvgart generic or biosimilar

Vyvgart is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug efgartigimod alfa-fcab.* It’s a biologic drug that isn’t available in biosimilar form.

Traditional drugs are made using chemicals, while biologics are made using parts of living cells. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. However, it’s not possible to make exact copies of biologics. Instead of generics, biologic drugs have biosimilars.

Like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug.

* The reason “-fcab” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.

Vyvgart cost

As with all medications, the cost of Vyvgart can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and your location.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates for Vyvgart. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Vyvgart, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called the Vyvgart Co-Pay Program is available for Vyvgart. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 833-697-2841 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Biosimilar form: Vyvgart is not available in a biosimilar form. It’s a biologic drug made using parts of living cells. Instead of generics, biologic drugs have biosimilars. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. However, it’s not possible to make exact copies of biologics.

Like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug. And they may cost less than brand-name drugs.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

Vyvgart uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Vyvgart to treat certain conditions.

Vyvgart for generalized myasthenia gravis

Vyvgart is FDA-approved to treat generalized myasthenia gravis. This is a rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness. “Generalized” means the condition affects muscles throughout the body.

For this use, Vyvgart is prescribed for adults who have certain antibodies in their blood. These antibodies target a protein called acetylcholine receptor (AChR), which is found on muscle cells. Antibodies against AChR are thought to cause the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Examples of these symptoms include weakness in your arms and legs and trouble standing, walking, chewing, or swallowing.

Vyvgart and children

Vyvgart is not FDA-approved for use in children. It’s not known for sure whether the drug is safe or effective for children.

Vyvgart dosage

The Vyvgart dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the severity of the condition you’re using Vyvgart to treat
• your body weight in kilograms (kg)*

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Drug forms and strengths

Vyvgart comes as a solution in a single-use vial. It’s available in one strength of 400 milligrams (mg) in 20 milliliters (mL) of solution.

Dosage for generalized myasthenia gravis

For generalized myasthenia gravis, Vyvgart is given in treatment cycles. Each cycle is 4 weeks long.

The usual dosing schedule for Vyvgart is one infusion each week of the treatment cycle. You’ll receive a total of four infusions each cycle. Your doctor will advise you on how many treatment cycles you’ll receive.

For a person weighing less than 120 kg (about 264 lb), each dose of Vyvgart is 10 mg/kg. For example, if you weigh 80 kg (about 176 lb), you’ll receive 800 mg of the drug per infusion.

For a person weighing at least 120 kg (about 264 lb), each dose of Vyvgart is 1,200 mg per infusion.

How to receive Vyvgart

Vyvgart is given as an intravenous infusion. Each infusion takes 1 hour.

A healthcare professional will give Vyvgart infusions in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. In some cases, a healthcare professional may be able to give the infusions in your home.

For more information about what to expect with Vyvgart infusions, visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

About taking Vyvgart

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When is the drug administered: You’ll receive one infusion of Vyvgart each week of your treatment cycle.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss an appointment to receive your Vyvgart infusion, call your doctor. They’ll help you reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
• Length of use: How long you’ll receive Vyvgart depends on how your condition responds to treatment. Talk with your doctor about how long you’ll receive Vyvgart.

Vyvgart side effects

Vyvgart can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Vyvgart. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Vyvgart, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Vyvgart, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Vyvgart. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Vyvgart’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Vyvgart can include:

• low levels of white blood cells
• infection, including urinary tract infection and upper or lower respiratory infection
• feeling of burning, numbness, or tingling in your mouth, hands, or feet
• headache
• muscle aches
• mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Vyvgart, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Vyvgart aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects of Vyvgart may include severe allergic reaction. For details about this side effect, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Vyvgart. This was a rare side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Vyvgart, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Common questions about Vyvgart

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Vyvgart.

Is Vyvgart similar to Soliris or IVIg?

Yes, in some ways. For example, each drug has similar uses and is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion.

Vyvgart and eculizumab (Soliris) are prescribed to treat generalized myasthenia gravis in adults who have certain antibodies in their blood.* Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used off-label to treat episodes of worsened myasthenia gravis symptoms. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Vyvgart, Soliris, and IVIg work differently in the body. And each drug has different dosages and side effects. For more details about how Vyvgart, Soliris, and IVIg are alike and different, talk with your doctor.

* For details, see the “Vyvgart uses” section above.

Does Vyvgart cause weight gain?

No, Vyvgart isn’t known to cause weight gain. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of the drug.

Other treatments for myasthenia gravis, such as corticosteroids, are known to cause weight gain. Examples of corticosteroids include prednisone (Rayos) and methylprednisolone (Medrol). However, Vyvgart isn’t known to cause this side effect.

If you have questions about Vyvgart and weight gain, talk with your doctor.

Can Vyvgart cause long-term side effects?

It’s not likely. Long-term side effects weren’t reported in clinical trials of Vyvgart. Most of the drug’s side effects are temporary, lasting only a few days or weeks. Many will likely go away soon after starting or stopping the drug.

If you have questions about Vyvgart and long-term side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Vyvgart interactions

Vyvgart can interact with several other medications. It’s not known to interact with supplements or foods.

Before taking Vyvgart, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Vyvgart. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Vyvgart. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Vyvgart. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while taking Vyvgart. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking Vyvgart, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Vyvgart, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Vyvgart:

• intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
• eculizumab (Soliris)
• ravulizumab-cwvz (Ultomiris)
• rituximab (Rituxan)

Things to consider when taking Vyvgart

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vyvgart and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Vyvgart should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Vyvgart and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Vyvgart should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.