Powered By
DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPY
Mavenclad (cladribine) 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 1,555 comments about Mavenclad from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Mavenclad is an immune-reducing medicine that works by lowering certain white blood cells (B cells and T cells). By targeting these cells, the medication may help reduce immune attacks that drive multiple sclerosis and help manage symptoms. The exact way it works is not fully known.
Doctors prescribe Mavenclad for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease. It is usually used when other treatments have not worked well or were not tolerated.
Mavenclad is a tablet taken by mouth with water, without chewing. It can be taken with or without food. Treatment is given in two yearly courses, and each course includes two short treatment cycles.
In each cycle, you take the medicine once a day for four or five days.
The recommended total dose is 3.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This is divided into two yearly treatment courses of 1.75 milligrams per kilogram each.
The dose is based on body weight, a standard way healthcare providers calculate how much medicine a person should take.
Each treatment course has two cycles. The second cycle is given 23 to 27 days after the last dose of the first cycle. The first cycle of the second year starts at least 43 weeks after the last dose of the second cycle of the first year.
In each cycle, you take one or two tablets once daily for four or five days. Do not take more than two tablets in one day.
After you complete the two treatment courses, you should not take Mavenclad again for the next two years.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 1,555 comments about Mavenclad from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Mavenclad often say it helps to plan ahead for the treatment schedule, blood work, and follow-up appointments. They also frequently mention tracking side effects, being mindful about infection risk, and staying in close contact with their neurology team about how they feel during and after treatment.
Take Mavenclad on a consistent schedule.
“There has to be two or three hours between the Mavenclad and any other medications you take. It was supposed to be taken at the same time every day.”
Keep up with blood work and monitoring.
“I have to monitor my blood with regular blood tests. I have to wait for my next MRI and take it from there.”
Be mindful about infection risk during treatment.
“The only thing I have to keep in mind right now is that my immune system hasn’t fully recovered yet, so I have to be mindful of the health of the people around me.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple sclerosis. Join MyMSTeam for free.
In clinical studies of Mavenclad for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 24 percent to 38 percent of people. The most common side effects were:
Mavenclad 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.
EMD Serono, the manufacturer of Mavenclad, offers the MS LifeLines Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 in copay or coinsurance.
The MS LifeLines program also provides support from financial specialists who can verify insurance benefits, explain financial assistance options, and coordinate treatment delivery with specialty pharmacies. MS-certified nurses are also available to answer questions, provide treatment reminders and education, and connect you with community resources.
To learn more, visit the MS LifeLines Co-Pay Assistance Program website, the Mavenclad support resources page, or call 877-447-3243.
Before starting Mavenclad, your doctor will test for:
Before starting Mavenclad, make sure your vaccines are up to date. If you need a live or live-attenuated vaccine, it should be given at least four to six weeks before starting Mavenclad. Your doctor may also recommend a chicken pox (varicella zoster) vaccine if you are not immune.
If you are immune to the virus, your doctor may recommend a different shingles (recombinant zoster vaccine) vaccine.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to cladribine or any of the ingredients in Mavenclad.
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, have had cancer, or have had nervous system problems in the past.
Do not take Mavenclad if you have a current cancer, are pregnant, or do not plan to use effective birth control during treatment and for six months after your last dose. Do not take it if you have HIV, have active chronic infections like hepatitis or tuberculosis, or have had an allergic reaction to cladribine.
Mavenclad is not recommended for people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).
If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the same time. Take the missed dose the next day and add one extra day to that treatment cycle. If you miss two days in a row, add two extra days to that cycle.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Mavenclad, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you can become pregnant, you need a pregnancy test before each treatment course. You should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least six months after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 10 days after your last dose. If you can father a child, you should also take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least six months after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Mavenclad?
In a 96-week study of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, people taking Mavenclad had fewer relapses than those taking placebo (an inactive treatment). The relapse rate was 0.14 compared with 0.33, which is a 58 percent reduction.
About 81 percent of people taking Mavenclad had no relapses, compared with 63 percent taking placebo. There were also fewer MRI lesions and fewer people with worsening disability.
Can Mavenclad cause headaches with multiple sclerosis treatment?
Yes. Headache was one of the most common side effects reported with Mavenclad, occurring in 25 percent of people taking it, compared with 19 percent of people taking placebo. Other common side effects included upper respiratory tract infection, lymphopenia, and nausea.
How often is Mavenclad taken for multiple sclerosis?
Mavenclad is given in two yearly treatment courses. Each year has two treatment cycles. The second cycle is taken 23 to 27 days after the first cycle. The second year of treatment starts at least 43 weeks after the last dose of the first year’s second cycle.
In each cycle, you take the medicine once a day for four or five days. The number of tablets depends on your body weight. After you finish the two treatment courses, you should not take Mavenclad again for the next two years.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Mavenclad and multiple sclerosis care:
More resources from MyMSTeam that mention Mavenclad
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
