Briumvi Dosages for Multiple Sclerosis: Your GoodRx Guide

If you or a loved one is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are several treatment options that can help reduce relapses. Briumvi (ublituximab) — a  type of biologic called a monoclonal antibody that’s administered as an IV infusion — is one of them. The FDA approved Briumvi for relapsing forms of MS in 2022.

If you’re prescribed Briumvi, there are a few things to be aware of as you’re getting started. We’ll cover what to expect with your infusions, as well as recommended Briumvi dosages, below.

What to expect when starting Briumvi infusions

When you’re first starting Briumvi, it can help to know what to expect with the infusions. Before getting your first dose, your healthcare team will test you for hepatitis B virus. This is because Briumvi may reactivate a previous hepatitis B infection.

You’ll also have your immunoglobulins, or antibodies, tested since Briumvi may lower them. Your care team will make sure you still have enough antibodies to fight off infections while receiving Briumvi. And if you’re able to get pregnant, you may be given a pregnancy test before each infusion. This is because Briumvi can harm a growing fetus.

On a typical infusion day, you’ll spend about 30 to 60 minutes with your care team before the infusion. They’ll review your current health status and answer any questions you have about the infusion. You’ll also receive pre-infusion medications, such as a steroid and antihistamines, orally or through your IV about 30 minutes before the infusion starts. This helps lower the chance of having an infusion reaction.

Most Briumvi infusions typically take about 1 hour. The first dose is an exception; it takes about 4 hours (as discussed below).

After the first two infusions, your healthcare team will ask you to stay at the facility for at least 1 hour. That way, they can be there to help if you experience a reaction. At your third infusion, you may be able to leave right after it’s finished, if you haven’t had any reactions after the first two.

Keep in mind that infusion reactions can happen up to 24 hours after getting Briumvi.

Tips for preparing for your infusion

There are a few things you can try to help make your Briumvi infusion day go a bit better, including:

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing so your healthcare team can access your arm for the infusion easily

• Packing items that can help pass the time, such as electronic devices or books

• Bringing water and something to eat, if your infusion center allows

• Bringing a blanket and/or pillow to help you stay comfortable

Good to know: Notify the infusion center beforehand if you’re feeling sick on the day of your infusion. They may recommend postponing the infusion until you’re feeling better.

What’s the typical Briumvi dosage?

As mentioned above, Briumvi is an IV infusion that must be administered by a healthcare professional, usually in an infusion center. The typical Briumvi dosage depends on which dose you’re receiving:

• First dose: 150 mg administered as a 4-hour infusion

• Second dose: given 2 weeks after the first dose; 450 mg administered as a 1-hour infusion

• Third dose and beyond: given 24 weeks after your first infusion, then every 24 weeks (about twice a year) after that; 450 mg administered as a 1-hour infusion

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Are there certain situations that require dosage adjustments?

There are adjustments that may need to be made during your Briumvi infusions. Although the total amount of the medication you receive won’t change, how fast it’s administered could be different. This is because infusion reactions are possible with Briumvi. Common symptoms of an infusion reaction include fever, chills, and headaches. More serious symptoms can include trouble breathing, feeling faint, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

If you’re having a mild-to-moderate infusion reaction, your healthcare team will slow the rate of your infusion. After 30 minutes, they will likely speed up the rate if your symptoms resolve.

If you have a severe infusion reaction, your infusion will be stopped and you may receive other treatments to help with the reaction. Once all your symptoms have resolved, your infusion will be restarted at a slower rate. 

If you have a serious, life-threatening infusion reaction or allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis), the infusion will need to be stopped immediately. And your prescriber will likely recommend no longer receiving Briumvi.

What happens if you miss a Briumvi infusion?

After the first two doses, you’ll receive Briumvi just twice a year. Your healthcare team will help you plan for those doses. But in the case that you have to miss or delay a dose, work with your care team to get it as soon as possible.

Once you receive the missed dose, your healthcare team will schedule you an appointment for your next dose (about 24 weeks later). Keep in mind that your doses should be at least 5 months (20 weeks) apart.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Niousha Nader, PharmD, BCCCP

Niousha Nader, PharmD, BCCCP is a critical care and geriatric specialist. She has over 12 years of hospital experience, which also includes pediatric, emergency, surgical, and oncologic pharmacy.

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