Uplizna Infusion Therapy

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? 

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. 

What Is Uplizna Used For?  

Doctors order inebilizumab-cdon to treat: 

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

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 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 

How To Prepare for an Uplizna Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they: 

• Have or think they have an infection 
• Have ever taken, currently take, or plan to take any medicines that affect the immune system 
• Have or ever had hepatitis B or tuberculosis 

During treatment with Uplizna, patients need to avoid receiving live vaccines. 

How to Get a Referral for Uplizna IV Infusions  

Every Uplizna 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 Uplizna IV therapy: 

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

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Hepatitis B virus, quantitative serum immunoglobulins, and tuberculosis screening is required before the first dose. 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Uplizna infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with inebilizumab-cdon. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here. 

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their 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