Uses
Side Effects
Warnings & Precautions
Interactions
Overdose/Missed Dose
Reviews Overview: Imaavy is used to treat generalized myasthenia gravis. The most common side effects are infections in the lungs, throat, or nose. It can also cause muscle spasms and swelling in the hands, ankles, and feet. Imaavy is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider. Before receiving Imaavy, tell your health care provider if you have an infection or any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or chills, cough, or sore throat.
Uses
What is Imaavy used for?
Imaavy (nipocalimab-aahu) is commonly used to treat certain people with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG).
Learn more about Imaavy for treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis.
Imaavy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Imaavy work (mechanism of action)?
In myasthenia gravis, your immune system makes antibodies that block some of the chemical messages that are sent from nerve cells to muscle cells. This causes your muscles to become weak, especially the muscles around the eyes, mouth, throat, arms, and legs. Imaavy works by reducing certain antibodies in your body, which helps to reduce symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
How is Imaavy supplied (dosage forms)?
Imaavy is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Imaavy?
The most common side effects of Imaavy are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the lungs, nose, or throat (see below)
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands
- Muscle spasms
There may be other side effects of Imaavy that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Imaavy?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Imaavy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Imaavy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions can happen while you are receiving Imaavy or up to a few weeks afterward. 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 or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Infusion Reactions. Imaavy 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 health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms during or a few days after getting your infusion.
- Fever or chills
- Flu-like symptoms
- Redness of your face and neck
- Rash
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
Infections. Imaavy can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It can also make any current infections you have worse. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or sore throat
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sores
Reactivated Infections. Some viruses that cause infections can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a virus stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” virus. Imaavy may increase your risk of a latent virus becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Imaavy, tell your health care provider if you have ever had chickenpox, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, or any other serious infections.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Imaavy?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Imaavy.
- Imaavy
- Nipocalimab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Imaavy.
What should I know about Imaavy before using it?
Imaavy is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care facility.
Your health care provider may monitor you for an allergic reaction or other side effects for up to 30 minutes after each infusion of Imaavy. If your health care provider tells you to take any medicine before your dose to prevent side effects, take it exactly as recommended.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Imaavy?
Tell your health care 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 know if Imaavy is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have had a recent infection, have an infection that keeps coming back, or if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or sore throat
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sores
Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Imaavy. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Imaavy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Imaavy, tell your health care 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.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Imaavy could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Imaavy, you can sign up for a pregnancy safety study by calling 800-526-7736 or at www.imaavy.com. This study collects safety information about the use of Imaavy during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Imaavy passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Imaavy while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Imaavy?
For more information about Imaavy, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.imaavy.com or call them at 800-526-7736.
Interactions
Does Imaavy interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Imaavy and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Imaavy.
Does Imaavy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Imaavy may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have received any medicine known as an immunoglobulin, monoclonal antibody, or a product made from antibodies.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Imaavy. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Imaavy?
If you or someone else has used too much Imaavy, 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 Imaavy?
Imaavy is given by a health care provider in a health care facility. If you miss an appointment to get your Imaavy infusion, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.