Zilbrysq vs. Rystiggo: 5 Differences Between These Targeted Myasthenia Gravis Treatments
Injectable medications can help treat myasthenia gravis. Learn more with this comparison of Zilbrysq’s and Rystiggo’s prescribing information, cost, and more.
Rystiggo
Used for Myasthenia Gravis
Used for Myasthenia Gravis
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) is a medication used to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) which is a long-term condition that causes muscle weakness throughout the body. It’s given by a healthcare provider as a once a week injection under the skin in 6-week cycles, with a break of around 2 months in between each cycle. Some side effects include headache, infections, fever, diarrhea, and nausea.
What is Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)?
What is Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) used for?
How Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) works
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) is a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker, so it works by blocking the activity of the FcRn receptor. These receptors lengthen the life of harmful antibodies that normally stop signals between the nerves and the muscles, leading to muscle movement problems. By preventing this receptor from working, Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) lowers the number of harmful antibodies, which helps improve muscle weakness and fatigue.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Rystiggo |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Neonatal Fc receptor blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) essentials
Side effects of Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (44%)
- Infections (23%)
- Diarrhea (20%)
- Fever (17%)
- Allergic Reactions (11%)
- Nausea (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Joint pain
- Injection-site reaction
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe infection: fever, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, chest pain
- Inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis): severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, drowsiness
- Severe allergic reaction: Swelling of the eyes, lips, or tongue (angioedema), rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat
The following Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
Pros
- Only taken once a week for 6 weeks at a time
- Infusions typically take around 15 min
- No known interactions with other medications or supplements
- First FDA approved medication to work in people with both types of myasthenia gravis antibodies
Cons
- Might require multiple rounds of the medication
- Can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections
- Can only be administered by a healthcare provider
- No lower-cost generic available
Pharmacist tips for Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
- A typical infusion of Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) will take around 15 minutes and is given in the lower stomach area. But infusion time can vary slightly based on your dose, which depends on your weight. Be sure to wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing on the day of your infusion.
- Avoid getting any live vaccines while taking Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab). Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can weaken the body's immune system and affect how well your body can fight off infections. Before starting Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations.
- Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can raise the risk of getting infections such as COVID-19, herpes, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory tract infections. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing fever, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, and chest pain that won't go away.
- People who take Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) commonly report headaches as a side effect. If you start to experience a headache try drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol, or take an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen.
- If you experience headaches that won't go away, become more severe, or you begin to experience neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or a fever after taking Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab), this may be a sign of a more dangerous condition called aseptic meningitis. Talk to your healthcare provider right away.
- If you miss your dose of Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab), you can still receive the dose for up to 4 days after. So reschedule your appointment as soon as possible if this happens.
Risks and warnings for Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Infections
- Risk factors: Having a current infection | Recently receiving a live vaccine
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can increase the risk of certain infections. If you currently have an active infection, you’ll need to wait until the infection has cleared before starting treatment. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you start feeling symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, chest pain. You might need to stop treatment temporarily until the infection is treated
Because Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can make infections more likely, it isn’t recommended to receive live vaccines like MMR, chickenpox, some flu vaccines, and yellow fever during treatment. Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can weaken your immune system, which means your body might not be as good at fighting infections.. If you plan on receiving or have recently received any vaccines, tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab).
Inflammation of the brain (aseptic meningitis)
Although rare, Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) might increase the risk of aseptic meningitis, a condition which can be life threatening. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, drowsiness. If you notice any of these symptoms let your provider know to see if the medication needs to be stopped.
Severe allergic reactions
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can sometimes cause people to have a severe allergic reaction. Your care team will monitor you for 15 minutes after giving you Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) to watch for any symptoms of an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that serious allergic reactions have been reported up to 2 weeks after the last Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) dose. Continue to monitor for allergic reactions even after you go home. If you experience any swelling of the eyes, lips, or tongue (angioedema), rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tell your healthcare provider right away.
In addition, Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) can also cause injection reactions at the site where the dose is given, sometimes even 3 days after a dose. Let your provider know if you experience redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site that's bothersome and doesn't go away.
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) dosage
Typical dosage for Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) is an under the skin infusion that’s given by a healthcare provider once a week for 6-week cycles. There is typically a break of at least 2 months between each cycle. The dose is based on your body weight.
- Less than 50 kg: The typical dose is 420 mg once a week
- 50 to less than 100 kg: The typical dose is 560 mg once a week
- 100 kg or more: The typical dose is 840 mg once a week
What are alternatives to Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab)
Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab) images
