What is UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon)?

UPLIZNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquap... anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive; Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD); Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive. It is not known if UPLIZNA is safe or effective in children. (Read More).

Get additional information and talk with your doctor about UPLIZNA and lgG4-RD.

Partner with your doctor
Healthcare professional icon
Get started with UPLIZNA
Checkmark-icon

Understand IgG4-Related Disease Symptoms

Immunoglobulin 4-related disease (IgG4-RD) can affect many organs, and symptoms can appear in different parts of the body. Use this visualizer by clicking on a body region, organ, or symptom to learn more and create a personalized Doctor Discussion Guide to take to your next appointment.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may occur when IgG4-RD causes inflammation in organs like the pancreas or liver.

Areas Affected

Pancreas
Pancreas

Specialty: Gastroenterologist

Biliary Tract and Liver
Biliary Tract and Liver

Specialty: Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Abdominal Swelling

Abdominal swelling may happen when organs like the liver and kidneys become inflamed or retain fluid.

Areas Affected

Biliary Tract and Liver
Biliary Tract and Liver

Specialty: Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Back Pain

Back pain associated with IgG4-RD is aching, stiffness, or discomfort in the lower or middle back.

Areas Affected

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Blood in Urine

Blood in the urine can make the urine look pink, red, or brown. Sometimes the blood is only seen under a microscope. Blood in the urine may signal inflammation in the kidneys.

Areas Affected

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Bulging Eyes

Bulging eyes happen when swelling around or behind the eyes pushes them forward, making them look larger or more prominent than usual.

Areas Affected

Eye Sockets
Eye Sockets

Specialty: Ophthalmologist, Neurologist

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Chest Pain

Chest pain is any discomfort, tightness, or pressure felt in the chest area. It can be sharp or dull and may spread to the back, shoulders, or arms.

Areas Affected

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Chest Pressure

Chest pressure can feel like tightness or heaviness in the chest, and in IgG4-RD, it may be caused by inflammation around the lungs and blood vessels of the heart.

Areas Affected

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Cough

A cough may occur when IgG4-RD causes inflammation in the airways or lungs.

Areas Affected

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can include nausea, bloating, or diarrhea when IgG4-RD affects the stomach or pancreas.

Areas Affected

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Dizziness

Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning. In
IgG4-RD, it may occur when inflammation affects the inner ear, brain, or blood flow.

Areas Affected

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Double Vision

Double vision means you see two of the same object instead of one. This can happen when swelling or pressure affects how the eyes move together.

Areas Affected

Eye Sockets
Eye Sockets

Specialty: Ophthalmologist, Neurologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth

Dry eyes occur when your tear glands don’t make enough tears, or the tears do not work well, leaving your eyes feeling scratchy or irritated.

Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands do not make enough saliva. This can make chewing, swallowing, or speaking uncomfortable.

Areas Affected

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes result from immune system activation and may feel swollen.

Areas Affected

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Facial Pain

Facial pain may occur when IgG4-RD affects nerves or sinuses in the face, which may lead to discomfort, pressure, or aching around the eyes, cheeks, or jaw.

Areas Affected

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Fatigue

Fatigue means feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, even after rest. It may result from ongoing inflammation caused by IgG4-RD.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Fever

Fever is a rise in body temperature that may occur when the immune system becomes overactive or inflamed. In IgG4-RD, fever can be a sign that the disease is active or affecting multiple organs.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Headache

A headache is pain or pressure in the head. It can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing and may be constant or come and go.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat happens when inflammation affects the heart’s electrical system, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

Areas Affected

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Jaundice

Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin or eyes due to liver or bile duct inflammation and in IgG4-RD may be caused by liver or bile duct inflammation.

Areas Affected

Biliary Tract and Liver
Biliary Tract and Liver

Specialty: Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Muscle Pain

Muscle pain, also called myalgia, can feel like aching, soreness, or tenderness in different parts of the body. It may occur when IgG4-RD causes inflammation in the muscles or connective tissues.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness means your muscles feel less strong than usual or tire easily. In IgG4-RD, it can happen when inflammation affects the nerves, muscles, or surrounding tissues.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Neck Swelling

Neck swelling can happen when glands or tissues in the neck become inflamed due to IgG4-RD.

Areas Affected

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Nerve Problems

Nerve problems may occur when IgG4-RD causes inflammation that affects the nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Seizures

A seizure is a sudden change in brain activity that can cause shaking, staring spells, or confusion. Seizures can be mild or more serious.

Areas Affected

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath means feeling like you cannot get enough air or that breathing is harder than usual. Inflammation, scarring, or masses that affect the heart, aorta, and lungs may cause shortness of breath in IgG4-RD.

Areas Affected

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Swelling Around Cheeks or Jaw

This swelling happens when salivary glands in the cheeks or jaw get larger or feel puffy. It may make the face look fuller or feel tender.

Areas Affected

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Swelling in the Lower Extremities

Fluid buildup in the lower extremities such as the abdomen, legs, ankles, and feet may be a sign of poor kidney function.

Areas Affected

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Retroperitoneum
Retroperitoneum (area behind abdominal cavity)

Specialty: Urologist, Rheumatologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Throat Pain

Throat pain may happen when inflammation affects the salivary glands, lymph nodes, or nearby tissues in the neck. It can feel sore, scratchy, or tender when swallowing or talking.

Areas Affected

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Underactive Thyroid/Pituitary Gland

An underactive thyroid or pituitary gland can affect how hormones are produced and regulated in the body. When hormone levels are too low, it may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or other health concerns.

Areas Affected

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Vision Changes (in rare cases)

IgG4-RD can cause eye bulging or swelling of the glands around the eyes, and this may affect vision.

Areas Affected

Eye Sockets
Eye Sockets

Specialty: Ophthalmologist, Neurologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Water Retention

Water retention can happen when too much fluid builds up in some of the body's tissues, which can be due to inflammation of the lymph system or any type of kidney dysfunction.

Areas Affected

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide
Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss can occur when IgG4-RD affects organs that help control metabolism, digestion, or hormone balance.

Areas Affected

Pancreas
Pancreas

Specialty: Gastroenterologist

Biliary Tract and Liver
Biliary Tract and Liver

Specialty: Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Related Symptoms

Talk to your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing and use this discussion guide to help

Partner with your doctor

Download the Doctor
Discussion Guide

Download Guide

Home

Head and Neck

IgG4-RD may affect organs within the head and neck. Explore the organs below to learn how this disease can cause swelling, pain, or other changes. If you have any of these symptoms, you can add them to your Doctor Discussion Guide. In addition to rheumatologists, the specialists who treat each organ are provided.

Areas Affected

Eye Sockets
Eye Sockets

Specialty: Ophthalmologist, Rheumatologist

Salivary and Tear Glands
Salivary and Tear Glands

Specialty: Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor; Rheumatologist

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands
Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Specialty: Endocrinologist

Home

Chest

IgG4-RD may affect organs within the chest. Explore the organs below to learn how this disease can cause swelling, pain, or other changes. If you have any of these symptoms, you can add them to your Doctor Discussion Guide. In addition to rheumatologists, the specialists who treat each organ are provided.

Areas Affected

Lungs
Lungs

Specialty: Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist

Heart and Aorta
Heart and Aorta

Specialty: Cardiologist

Home

Abdomen

IgG4-RD may affect organs within the abdomen. Explore the organs below to learn how this disease can cause swelling, pain, or other changes. You can add any symptoms you notice to your Doctor Discussion Guide. In addition to Rheumatologists, the specialists who treat each organ are provided.

Areas Affected

Pancreas
Pancreas

Specialty: Gastroenterologist

Biliary Tract and Liver
Biliary Tract and Liver

Specialty: Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist

Kidneys
Kidneys

Specialty: Nephrologist

Biliary Tract and Liver

Biliary Tract and Liver

IgG4-RD can affect the biliary tract and liver, leading to inflammation. The ducts may become swollen and narrowed, increasing the risk of infection or jaundice—a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Symptoms

Eye Sockets

Eye Sockets

IgG4-RD can affect the eye sockets, causing large masses of tissue and inflamed muscles to develop around the eyes.

Symptoms

Heart and Aorta

Heart and Aorta

IgG4-RD can affect the heart and aorta. Swelling and weakening of blood vessels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Symptoms

Kidneys

Kidneys

IgG4-RD can affect the kidneys, leading to inflammation that may cause serious health issues, including chronic kidney disease. Symptoms can include swelling in the legs and feet and blood in the urine.

Symptoms

Lungs

Lungs

IgG4-RD can affect the lungs, leading to inflammation that may cause lung masses, thickening of the lung walls, and the development of lung disease.

Symptoms

Meninges

Meninges

IgG4-RD can affect the meninges, leading to inflammation that may cause nerve problems and seizures.

Symptoms

Pancreas

Pancreas

IgG4-RD can affect the pancreas. It may disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption, causing rapid weight loss. Blood sugar levels can also be impacted.

Symptoms

Retroperitoneum

Retroperitoneum

IgG4-RD can affect the retroperitoneum, causing inflammation and fibrosis.

Symptoms

Salivary and Tear Glands

Salivary and Tear Glands

IgG4-RD can affect the salivary and tear glands, leading to swelling and dryness that may result in severe dry mouth and eyes.

Symptoms

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

IgG4-RD can affect the thyroid and pituitary glands, leading to inflammation that disrupts hormone levels, which may cause fatigue.

Symptoms

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not receive UPLIZNA?

You should not receive UPLIZNA if you have:

  • had a life-threatening infusion reaction to UPLIZNA.
  • an active hepatitis B virus infection.
  • active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis.

What is the most important information I should know about UPLIZNA?

UPLIZNA may cause serious side effects, including:

Infusion reactions. UPLIZNA can cause infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, that can be serious or may cause you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of UPLIZNA for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:

  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • fever
  • rash
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • muscle aches
  • palpitations

If you develop an infusion reaction, your healthcare provider may need to stop or slow down the rate of your infusion and treat your symptoms.

Infections. Infections can happen during treatment with UPLIZNA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or get any of these symptoms:

  • painful and frequent urination
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, cough, body aches
  • UPLIZNA taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system may increase your risk of getting infections.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. Before starting treatment with UPLIZNA, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with UPLIZNA. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving UPLIZNA.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML may happen with UPLIZNA. PML is a rare brain infection that leads to death or severe disability. Symptoms of PML may get worse over days to weeks. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:
  • weakness on one side of the body
  • changes in your vision
  • confusion
  • loss of coordination in your arms and legs
  • changes in thinking or memory
  • changes in your personality
  • Tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by an infection in the lungs. Before starting treatment with UPLIZNA, your healthcare provider will check to see if you are at risk for getting TB or have ever had TB.
  • Vaccinations. Certain vaccines, called “live” or “live attenuated” vaccines, are not recommended in people receiving UPLIZNA. Talk to your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. If you have a baby and you were receiving UPLIZNA during pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about your UPLIZNA use so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.

Before receiving UPLIZNA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or think you have an infection.
  • have ever taken, currently take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for NMOSD, IgG4-RD or gMG. These medicines may increase your risk of getting an infection. 
  • have or have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
  • have or have ever had tuberculosis.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should receive any required vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with UPLIZNA.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if UPLIZNA will harm your unborn baby. Females should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with UPLIZNA and for 6 months after your last infusion of UPLIZNA.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if UPLIZNA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive UPLIZNA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of UPLIZNA?

UPLIZNA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • low blood cell counts. UPLIZNA may cause a decrease in some types of blood cells. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts.

The most common side effects include: urinary tract infection and joint pain in patients with NMOSD; urinary tract infection and low white blood cell count in patients with IgG4-RD; headache and infusion-related reaction in patients with gMG. These are not all the possible side effects of UPLIZNA.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

UPLIZNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive; Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD); Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive. It is not known if UPLIZNA is safe or effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not receive UPLIZNA?

You should not receive UPLIZNA if you have:

  • had a life-threatening infusion reaction to UPLIZNA.
  • an active hepatitis B virus infection.
  • active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis.

What is the most important information I should know about UPLIZNA?

UPLIZNA may cause serious side effects, including:

Infusion reactions. UPLIZNA can cause infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, that can be serious or may cause you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of UPLIZNA for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:

  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • fever
  • rash
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • muscle aches
  • palpitations

If you develop an infusion reaction, your healthcare provider may need to stop or slow down the rate of your infusion and treat your symptoms.

Infections. Infections can happen during treatment with UPLIZNA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or get any of these symptoms:

  • painful and frequent urination
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, cough, body aches
  • UPLIZNA taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system may increase your risk of getting infections.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. Before starting treatment with UPLIZNA, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with UPLIZNA. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving UPLIZNA.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML may happen with UPLIZNA. PML is a rare brain infection that leads to death or severe disability. Symptoms of PML may get worse over days to weeks. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:
  • weakness on one side of the body
  • changes in your vision
  • confusion
  • loss of coordination in your arms and legs
  • changes in thinking or memory
  • changes in your personality
  • Tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by an infection in the lungs. Before starting treatment with UPLIZNA, your healthcare provider will check to see if you are at risk for getting TB or have ever had TB.
  • Vaccinations. Certain vaccines, called “live” or “live attenuated” vaccines, are not recommended in people receiving UPLIZNA. Talk to your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. If you have a baby and you were receiving UPLIZNA during pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about your UPLIZNA use so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.

Before receiving UPLIZNA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or think you have an infection.
  • have ever taken, currently take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for NMOSD, IgG4-RD or gMG. These medicines may increase your risk of getting an infection. 
  • have or have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
  • have or have ever had tuberculosis.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should receive any required vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with UPLIZNA.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if UPLIZNA will harm your unborn baby. Females should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with UPLIZNA and for 6 months after your last infusion of UPLIZNA.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if UPLIZNA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive UPLIZNA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of UPLIZNA?

UPLIZNA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • low blood cell counts. UPLIZNA may cause a decrease in some types of blood cells. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts.

The most common side effects include: urinary tract infection and joint pain in patients with NMOSD; urinary tract infection and low white blood cell count in patients with IgG4-RD; headache and infusion-related reaction in patients with gMG. These are not all the possible side effects of UPLIZNA.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

UPLIZNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive; Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD); Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive. It is not known if UPLIZNA is safe or effective in children.