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DISEASE-MODIFYING TREATMENT
Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
These insights are based on 402 comments about Briumvi from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
After the first doses, infusion is given every 24 weeks.
The first infusion takes longer, and later infusions are shorter.
In studies, this drug reduced MRI signs of disease.
Infusion reactions, including flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache, chills, dizziness, and nausea, can happen, especially with early doses.
Lowered immunity can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections.
Benadryl premedication can cause heavy drowsiness and complicate driving home.
Briumvi works by targeting CD20, a protein found on certain B cells, which are part of the immune system. It helps destroy those B cells. The exact way Briumvi works in MS is not fully known. By lowering these B cells, Briumvi may help reduce the immune system attacks that damage the brain and spinal cord in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Doctors prescribe Briumvi to adults with relapsing forms of MS. It is given by intravenous infusion, which means it is delivered into a vein. The first infusion is followed by a second infusion two weeks later. After that, Briumvi is given once every 24 weeks.
These insights are based on 402 comments about Briumvi from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Briumvi often say it helps to plan ahead for infusion day, keep track of how you feel between doses, and stay in close contact with your neurology team about side effects or infections. Many also mention that the first infusion can take longer, while later infusions are usually shorter, and that premedications can affect how they feel afterward.
Plan for a long first infusion and shorter later ones.
“I had the first five-hour one only two weeks ago. Tomorrow, I have a two-hour infusion. After that, it is only one hour every six months.”
Expect premedications to make you tired, and plan your ride home.
“The Benadryl really hit different. I actually dozed off on my way home and started to drift off the road.”
Tell your doctor about reactions, infections, or side effects that linger.
“This was my second infusion last week with Briumvi after changing from Ocrevus. No reaction last time, but achy, lower back pain, and thigh pain this time. Informed my neurologist, waiting for results.”
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In clinical studies of Briumvi for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 48 percent of people. These side effects were reported more often with Briumvi than with teriflunomide in the studies.
For people taking Briumvi for relapsing forms of MS, the most common side effects include:
Briumvi can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
TG Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Briumvi, offers the Briumvi Copay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0.
The Briumvi Copay Assistance Program also offers support through a dedicated case manager, insurance support, and financial assistance options. To learn more, visit the company’s website or call 833-274-8684.
Before starting Briumvi, your doctor will test or check for:
Before starting Briumvi, you should be up to date on vaccines. Get live or live-attenuated vaccines at least four weeks before treatment starts. When possible, get non-live vaccines at least two weeks before treatment starts. Live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until your B cells recover.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ublituximab-xiiy or any ingredients in Briumvi.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections or nervous system problems in the past.
Do not take Briumvi if you have active hepatitis B infection or if you have had a life-threatening infusion reaction to Briumvi.
If you miss a planned Briumvi infusion, get it as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next scheduled dose. Your next infusion should be 24 weeks after the missed dose is given. Infusions must be at least five months apart.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Briumvi, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for six months after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Briumvi?
In two 96-week studies of adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis, Briumvi lowered the number of relapses compared with teriflunomide. In one study, relapses were reduced by 59 percent. In the second study, relapses were reduced by 49 percent. Briumvi also reduced signs of disease on MRI scans at week 96.
How often is Briumvi taken for multiple sclerosis?
Briumvi is given by IV infusion. The first infusion is 150 milligrams. The second infusion is 450 milligrams two weeks later. After that, it is given every 24 weeks. The first infusion takes about four hours. The second and later infusions take about one hour.
What side effects are most common with Briumvi for multiple sclerosis?
The most common side effects were infusion reactions and upper respiratory tract infections. In studies, infusion reactions happened in 48 percent of people taking Briumvi, and upper respiratory tract infections happened in 45 percent. Other side effects reported more often with Briumvi included lower respiratory tract infections, herpes virus-associated infections, pain in the arms or legs, trouble sleeping, and fatigue.
Should I take Briumvi if I have an infection or feel sick with multiple sclerosis?
Before every infusion, your healthcare provider should check whether you have an active infection. If you do, the infusion should be delayed until the infection has resolved. Tell your healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, a cough that does not go away, or painful urination.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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