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.
Zilbrysq
Used for Myasthenia Gravis
Used for Myasthenia Gravis
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is the first FDA‑approved at-home self injection that's used to treat certain adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The dose, based on your weight, is injected once a day. Common side effects of this medication include injection site reactions, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., cough, stuffy nose). Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is available only through the FDA’s Zilbrysq REMS program because of the risk for serious meningococcal infections.
What is Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)?
What is Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) used for?
- Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults with anti-AChR antibodies
How Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) works
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is a complement inhibitor. The exact way that the medication works isn't clear, but it's thought to prevent breakdown of complement proteins. These complement proteins, which are part of the immune system, are activated by harmful antibodies (anti-Ach antibodies) to disrupt communication between nerves and muscles. By blocking these proteins, Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) helps to ease gMG symptoms and improve the ability to perform daily living, like walking or speaking.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zilbrysq |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Complement inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) essentials
Side effects of Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
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
- Injection site reactions (29%)
- Upper respiratory tract infections (cough, runny nose; 14%)
- Diarrhea (11%)
- Urinary tract infection (8%)
- Nausea or vomiting (8%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Higher levels of lipase
- Higher levels of amylase
- Hardening and discoloration of the skin
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Meningococcal infections: headache, stiff neck or back, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, fever, flu-like symptoms, sensitivity to bright light, confusion, rash
- Pancreatitis: stomach pain that won't go away, pain radiating to the back, nausea, or vomiting
The following Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- 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
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Get your GoodRx coupon
N/A
GoodRx discount
$23735.15
Pros and cons of Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
Pros
- First self-injected, once-daily, medication for gMG
- Works well to improve symptoms of daily living in some adults with gMG
- Can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature
Cons
- Can raise the risk of serious infections
- Can only receive it from specific pharmacies enrolled in the REMS program
- Unknown if it's safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
- Review the Instructions for Use for Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) to make sure you know how to prepare and inject a dose. Your care team will show you how to do your first injection.
- It's best to get your Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) injections around the same time every day. Wash your hands before giving yourself an injection to prevent infection.
- Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) can raise your risk of meningococcal infections. Before starting this medication, your prescriber will check if you've received your meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- If you haven't completed your vaccinations for meningococcal infections at least 2 weeks before your first Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) treatment, you might need to receive these vaccinations as soon as possible and take antibiotics to help prevent infections.
- Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) can raise your risk of other serious infections, such as pneumonia and gonorrhea. Discuss with your care team about different ways to prevent these infections.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you experience severe stomach pain that doesn't go away. This can be a symptom of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).
- Make sure to get your routine blood tests done on time before and while you’re receiving Zilbrysq (zilucoplan). This helps your care team make sure the medication is safe for you.
- You can store Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If in the refrigerator, the medication is good up to the expiration date. If at room temperature, it's good for up to 3 months. Keep Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) in its original container to protect it from light.
- If you choose to store Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) in the refrigerator, take one prefilled syringe out and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting a dose. Don't use the medication if it's cloudy or has particles.
- You'll be given a Zilbrysq Patient Safety Information Card by your care team. Carry it with you at all times so you know when to get emergency medical help. Continue to carry this card for 2 months after stopping Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) treatment, because you can still develop an infection during that time.
- Don't share or reuse needles or syringes. Doing so can put you at risk for getting or transmitting infections. Throw away your needles and syringes in a sharps disposal container after each use.
Risks and warnings for Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) 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.
Serious meningococcal infections
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) can lower your ability to fight off infections. This can raise the risk for serious infections, especially meningococcal infections.
Before you start Zilbrysq (zilucoplan), your prescriber will check that you're up to date on your meningococcal vaccines. If not, you might have to receive the meningococcal vaccine right away on top of preventative antibiotics. This helps to lower your risk for serious meningococcal infections. But it's important to note that even people who have received these vaccinations might still get an infection. Call your care team right away if you have any signs of infection, like fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and severe headache.
Because of the risk for serious meningococcal infections, Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is only available through a restricted program called Zilbrysq Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Your neurologist must be enrolled in this program to prescribe the medication to you. They'll also talk with you about the risk for meningococcal infections and how to best protect against them.
Other infections
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) can lower your ability to fight off other infections too. These infections include pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae diseases, and gonorrhea. Your prescriber will make sure you're vaccinated against certain types of bacteria that can cause infection. Let your prescriber know if you have symptoms such as trouble breathing, cough, chills, fever, fatigue, chest pain, and headache.
Pancreas problems
Though rare, few people who received Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) have reported having inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or pancreatic cysts. Make sure to get your routine blood work done before treatment. This is so your care team can make sure Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is safe for you. Stop using this medication and let your care team know right away if you experience symptoms of an inflamed pancreas, such as stomach pain that won't go away, pain radiating to the back, nausea, or vomiting.
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 28 prefilled syringes of 23mg/0.574ml of Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is $32,867.73 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 prefilled syringes of 16.6mg/0.416ml | 1 carton | $23,735.15 | $23,735.15 |
| 28 prefilled syringes of 23mg/0.574ml | 1 carton | $32,867.73 | $32,867.73 |
| 28 prefilled syringes of 32.4mg/0.81ml | 1 carton | $46,300.04 | $46,300.04 |
Typical dosage for Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is an injection under the skin that's given under the supervision of a healthcare professional until you've received training. Dosage depends on your body weight, and your care team will decide the appropriate dose for you each time.
- Adults weighing less than 123 lbs (56 kg): The typical dose is 16.6 mg injected under the skin once daily.
- Adults weighing between 123 to 168 lbs (56-76 kg): The typical dose is 23 mg injected under the skin once daily.
- Adults weighing 169 lbs (77 kg) and more: The typical dose is 32.4 mg injected under the skin once daily.
How much does Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Zilbrysq (brand)
$23,735.15
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) will not be safe for you to take.
- Active meningococcal infection
What are alternatives to Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zilbrysq (zilucoplan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Zilbrysq (zilucoplan)
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) images
