Vyvgart's potential impacts: Frequent, mild, and severe
Vyvgart, a brand-name intravenous (IV) infusion, has been approved for some adults with generalized myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Here's what you need to know about this new treatment and its potential side effects.
Approximately 1,200 adults have been assigned Vyvgart in clinical trials. Common side effects include headache, paresthesias (feelings of numbness or pins and needles), muscle pain, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Respiratory tract infections were one of the most common side effects reported by people who took Vyvgart in clinical trials. Symptoms of a respiratory infection can include nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal pressure, headache, low grade fever, dry or productive cough, sore or scratchy throat, chest pain, difficulty breathing or wheezing. If you experience any of these symptoms during Vyvgart treatment, it's important to notify your doctor.
Some people reported experiencing UTIs during Vyvgart clinical trials. Symptoms of a UTI include urinating often, pain or burning sensation when urinating, cloudy, foul-smelling urine, fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, pain in the back and sides. If you experience symptoms of a UTI, tell your doctor as they may want to test a urine sample to determine whether you have a UTI. If you have a UTI, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat it.
It's worth noting that Vyvgart isn't likely to cause long-term side effects. However, infusion reactions are possible with Vyvgart use, which can cause symptoms such as decreased white blood cell count, high blood pressure, chills and shivering, back pain, and abdominal pain.
Vyvgart may interact with certain vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Before starting Vyvgart, be sure to talk with your doctor about any vaccines you may need.
For more information about specific side effects, refer to Vyvgart's prescribing information. It's also important to watch for any of the symptoms listed above during Vyvgart treatment and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of a respiratory tract infection or UTI.
Each Vyvgart infusion lasts for 1 hour, and a treatment cycle consists of one infusion per week for 4 weeks. If your UTI is serious, your doctor may pause your infusions until your infection clears up.
If you develop a side effect while taking Vyvgart and want to report it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing any potential side effects and ensuring the best possible treatment outcomes.
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