Therapies

Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy

For adults with anti-AChR antibody positive generalized myasthenia gravis.
Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care
Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care
Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care

What Is Vyvgart®?

Vyvgart® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) for chronic autoimmune disorders is a targeted therapy, a unique approach compared to more traditional broad immunosuppressants that risk frequent or serious infections. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment, and it is administered through a four-week IV Vyvgart dosing cycle, typically at an outpatient infusion center like Healix.

What Is Vyvgart Used For?

The FDA has approved Vyvgart infusions to treat AChR antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder where antibodies attack the communication between nerves and muscles. This damage most frequently results in muscle weakness, which often gets worse with activity and improves with rest.

Vyvgart is also being studied in clinical trials for several additional autoimmune diseases and may be used off-label for the following conditions:

  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Primary immune thrombocytopenia
  • Pemphigus vulgaris
  • Bullous pemphigoid
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Myositis, including dermatomyositis and polymyositis

How Do Vyvgart Infusions Work?

Vyvgart for myasthenia gravis works by targeting a protein in your body called the neonatal Fc receptor. This receptor normally protects certain antibodies called IgG antibodies from breaking down, allowing them to stay in your bloodstream longer. In some autoimmune diseases, your body makes harmful IgG antibodies that attack healthy cells. Vyvgart blocks the FcRn, so these IgG antibodies break down faster and don’t build up as much in your system.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Vyvgart Infusions?

As with most therapies, you might experience some common, mild side effects when you take Vyvgart:

  • Headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle pain
  • More frequent mild infections
  • Bladder infection
  • Rash or tingling sensation

These side effects are usually manageable, but you should still tell your doctor about them, especially if they don’t go away.

There are also some more serious Vyvgart side effects, though they’re less common:

  • Serious infections
  • Pneumonia or sepsis
  • Lowered white blood cell count

Your doctor may monitor your blood work or signs of infection to help keep you safe.

During the infusion itself, there’s a chance of an infusion reaction, which is different from a side effect of the drug working in your body. These reactions can happen while the medication is being given or shortly after:

  • Flushing, chills, or fever
  • Dizziness or trouble breathing
  • Nausea, chest tightness, or rapid heartbeat

If this happens, the nurse or doctor giving the infusion can slow it down or stop it and treat the reaction right away.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any new symptoms, especially if they start during or soon after your treatment.

What Is the Success Rate of Vyvgart?

In clinical trials, about 68% of people with gMG who were positive for AChR antibodies showed a significant improvement in muscle strength after taking Vyvgart, compared to 30% of those who received a placebo. Researchers measured improvement using a scale called myasthenia gravis activities of daily living, or MG-ADL, and many patients reached a level of response considered meaningful by doctors.

Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care
Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care
Vyvgart, Vyvgart® Infusion Therapy, Healix Infusion Care

How Do I Get Started With Vyvgart Infusions?

Argenx offers a Vyvgart Path program for those who have trouble with the cost of Vyvgart. If you qualify, this program may help cover copays and coinsurance or even provide the medication at no cost if you’re uninsured or underinsured. At Healix, our experienced team offers help navigating insurance approvals and benefits. Relief is on the horizon with Vyvgart for myasthenia gravis — get started with Healix today.

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