DOSING
DOSING
Twice-yearly dosing schedule for patients
- After two initial doses, Uplizna™ (inebilizumab-cdon) only needs to be administered twice a year, in 90-minute infusions¹
- 300-mg intravenous (IV) infusion for approximately 90 minutes: initial dosing at Day 1 and Day 15, and then every six months for maintenance¹
300 mg IV infusion over approximately
90 minutes twice per year after initial dosing
for maintenance
Managing potential infusion reactions
- Administer premedication with corticosteroid, antihistamine and antipyretic approximately 30 minutes prior to each Uplizna infusion¹
Premedication: administer approximately 30-60 minutes prior to each Uplizna infusion
| Type of premedication | Route of administration | Examples of (or equivalent) |
Administration time prior to Uplizna infusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| corticosteroid | intravenous | methylprednisolone 80 mg to 125 mg |
30 minutes |
| antihistamine | oral | diphenhydramine 25 mg to 50 mg |
30 to 60 minutes |
| antipyretic | oral | acetaminophen 500 mg to 650 mg |
30 to 60 minutes |
| Type of premedication corticosteroid Route of administration intravenous Examples of (or equivalent) methylprednisolone 80 mg to 125 mg Administration time prior to Uplizna infusion 30 minutes |
| Type of premedication antihistamine Route of administration oral Examples of (or equivalent) diphenhydramine 25 mg to 50 mg Administration time prior to Uplizna infusion 30 to 60 minutes |
| Type of premedication antipyretic Route of administration oral Examples of (or equivalent) acetaminophen 500 mg to 650 mg Administration time prior to Uplizna infusion 30 to 60 minutes |
Get more information on the distribution of Uplizna, including distributor contact phone numbers:
Access and Support
Get personalized support for you and your patients with Viela VIPs.
Viela VIPs Personal Support
Resources for Your Patients
Conversation guides and downloadable materials to help inform and educate your patients about Uplizna.
See patient resources
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATION
Uplizna™ (inebilizumab-cdon) is indicated for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Uplizna is contraindicated in patients with:
- A history of life-threatening infusion reaction to Uplizna
- Active hepatitis B infection
- Active or untreated latent tuberculosis
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Infusion Reactions: Uplizna can cause infusion reactions, which can include headache, nausea, somnolence, dyspnea, fever, myalgia, rash, or other symptoms. Infusion reactions were most common with the first infusion but were also observed during subsequent infusions. Administer pre-medication with a corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and an anti-pyretic.
Infections: The most common infections reported by Uplizna-treated patients in the randomized and open-label periods included urinary tract infection (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%), and influenza (7%). Delay Uplizna administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.
Increased immunosuppressive effects are possible if combining Uplizna with another immunosuppressive therapy.
The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been observed with other B-cell-depleting antibodies. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment with Uplizna. Do not administer to patients with active hepatitis.
Although no confirmed cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) were identified in Uplizna clinical trials, JC virus infection resulting in PML has been observed in patients treated with other B-cell-depleting antibodies and other therapies that affect immune competence. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold Uplizna and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation.
Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and tested for latent infection prior to initiating Uplizna.
Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation, until B-cell repletion.
Reduction in Immunoglobulins: There may be a progressive and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia or decline in the levels of total and individual immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) with continued Uplizna treatment. Monitor the level of immunoglobulins at the beginning, during, and after discontinuation of treatment with Uplizna until B-cell repletion especially in patients with opportunistic or recurrent infections.
Fetal Risk: May cause fetal harm based on animal data. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping Uplizna.
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (at least 10% of patients treated with Uplizna and greater than placebo) were urinary tract infection and arthralgia.
Reference: 1. Uplizna [prescribing information]. Gaithersburg, MD: Viela Bio; June 2020.