6 mins read

Uses

What is Briumvi used for?

Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy) is commonly used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Learn more about Managing Multiple Sclerosis With Briumvi.

Briumvi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Briumvi work (mechanism of action)?

In MS, B cells (a part of your immune system) mistakenly attack myelin (a protective coating of the nerves) in your brain and spinal cord. Briumvi is a monoclonal antibody that may work by reducing the number of B cells to help slow down nerve damage.

How is Briumvi supplied (dosage forms)?

Briumvi is available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Briumvi?

Briumvi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Briumvi?

The most common side effects of Briumvi are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infusion reactions (see below)
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms (see below)

There may be other side effects of Briumvi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Briumvi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Briumvi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Briumvi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Briumvi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infection. Briumvi can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People using Briumvi may develop a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop using Briumvi and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.

  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking or speaking
  • Facial drooping
  • Vision problems
  • Thinking, memory, or personality changes
  • Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
  • Seizures

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Briumvi could make the virus active again. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting Briumvi and may monitor you for infection during treatment and after you stop treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.

  • Unusual tiredness
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain in your side
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored    

Infusion Reactions. Briumvi can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion. These reactions can happen over 24 hours after your infusion. 

  • Flu-like symptoms, like fever, chills, body aches, feeling shaky, and joint pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in your heart rate, such as a fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Swelling of your tongue or throat
  • Hives or itchy skin

Low Antibodies. Briumvi may cause you to have low levels of certain types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins. Low immunoglobulin levels could increase your risk for infection. Keep all appointments to check your blood work before starting Briumvi and during and after treatment.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Briumvi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Briumvi.

  • Briumvi
  • Ublituximab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed.

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Briumvi.

Hepatitis B Infection. People who have a current hepatitis B infection should not use Briumvi.

What should I know about Briumvi before using it?

Do not use Briumvi unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Briumvi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your healthcare provider will give you Briumvi. It is an intravenous (IV) infusion. Your healthcare provider may also instruct you to take certain medicines before you receive your Briumvi dose. These medicines can help to prevent infusion reactions.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Briumvi?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Briumvi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Briumvi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Briumvi, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Briumvi. You should wait at least 4 weeks after a live vaccine and at least 2 weeks after other vaccines before starting Briumvi. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Briumvi may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while receiving Briumvi and for at least 6 months after the last dose. If you received Briumvi while pregnant, tell your baby’s healthcare provider so they can decide when your baby should receive vaccines.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Briumvi passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Briumvi while breastfeeding.

Infection. Briumvi may increase the risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or think you have an infection.

Hepatitis B Infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have hepatitis B or have had hepatitis B in the past.

How can I get more information about Briumvi?

For more information about Briumvi, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at briumvi.com or call them at 877-848-9462.

Interactions

Does Briumvi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Briumvi and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Briumvi and alcohol.

Does Briumvi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any medicines that weaken your immune system.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Briumvi. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Briumvi?

If you or someone else has used too much Briumvi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Briumvi?

If you miss an appointment to get your Briumvi dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. Your dosing schedule may need to be reset, as each dose must be separated by at least 5 months.  

Look up another drug