Uplizna Infusion Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Uplizna Infusion treatments.

Uplizna is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

What is Uplizna?

What Is Uplizna? 

Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) is a prescription infusion medication used to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive. 

How Uplizna Works  

Uplizna works by lowering the levels of B cells in the body which may reduce the overactive immune response found in individuals with NMOSD. 

Uplizna Infusion Dosage & Administration

Uplizna Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive inebilizumab-cdon intravenously. Treatment time for a Remicade infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts around 90 minutes. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of inebilizumab-cdon, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment. 

Uplizna infusions are typically administered twice yearly. 

Administering Uplizna via IV Infusion  

  1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
  2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
  3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals. 

Uplizna Side Effects

Uplizna Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

Common side effects include: 

  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Joint pain 
  • Headaches 
  • Back pain  

Serious side effects include: 

  • Tuberculosis  
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) 
  • Hepatitis B virus reactivation  
  • Infusion reactions 

Preparing for Your Uplizna Infusion

Follow these steps to prepare for your Uplizna Infusion:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
  • Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Pre-Infusion Medications

  • Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Uplizna Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
  • Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
  • Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.

Prepare for Comfort

  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
  • Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.

Plan for Transportation

  • Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Uplizna Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.

How to Get a Referral for Uplizna

Every Uplizna Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.

Patient information should include:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Home and mobile phone number
  • Insurance information

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:

  • Patient’s name and DOB
  • Order date
  • Diagnosis
  • Physician’s name and NPI#
  • Office address, phone, and fax numbers
  • Provider’s signature

Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:

  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Uplizna treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.

Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Uplizna treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Uplizna Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Uplizna Related Blog Posts

No results found.

The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

Interested?

IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.

An IVX Health team member giving a blanket to a patient