Ultomiris

What is Ultomiris®?

Ultomiris® (ravulizumab-cwvz) is a long-acting complement inhibitor used to treat several serious autoimmune and blood disorders in adults and children. At Advanced Neurology Colorado, we specialize in using Ultomiris infusion therapy for neurological conditions including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive.

What makes Ultomiris unique is its long-acting formulation, which allows for significantly fewer infusions compared to previous complement inhibitors. Patients typically receive treatment every 8 weeks rather than every 2 weeks, providing greater convenience while maintaining effective disease control.

Ultomiris infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The treatment schedule includes:

Weight-Based Dosing Schedule (Adults 40 kg or more):

  • Loading dose: Single infusion on Day 1
  • First maintenance dose: Two weeks after loading dose
  • Subsequent maintenance doses: Every 8 weeks

Infusion Duration:

  • Most adult maintenance infusions take 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Infusion time is weight-dependent
  • Post-infusion monitoring for at least 1 hour after each infusion

Important Safety Requirement: Because Ultomiris affects the immune system's ability to fight certain infections, vaccination against meningococcal bacteria is required before starting treatment. Additional vaccinations against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are also recommended.

How does Ultomiris® work?

In autoimmune neurological conditions like myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. A key part of this attack involves the complement system, a series of proteins that normally help fight infections but can cause damage when overactivated.

Specifically, the complement system can attack:

  • In myasthenia gravis: The receptors at the junction where nerves communicate with muscles, disrupting signals and causing severe muscle weakness and fatigue
  • In NMOSD: The aquaporin-4 channels in the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing inflammation, vision loss, pain, and weakness

Ultomiris works through a specific mechanism:

  • Targets C5 complement protein: This is a critical protein in the complement cascade that triggers cell destruction
  • Provides immediate inhibition: Complete C5 complement inhibition begins after the first dose
  • Blocks immune attack: By inhibiting C5, Ultomiris prevents the complement system from destroying healthy cells
  • Reduces inflammation: With less complement activity, inflammation in affected tissues decreases significantly
  • Protects nerve and muscle function: By stopping the immune attack, Ultomiris helps preserve normal neurological function

Ultomiris provides immediate, complete, and sustained C5 complement inhibition after the first dose, with initial results often appearing quickly. For generalized myasthenia gravis, many patients notice improvements in daily activities (e.g., talking, chewing, swallowing, and standing up) within 1 week of starting treatment. While Ultomiris does not cure these conditions, it helps control disease activity, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Common Ultomiris infusion side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Back or joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Urinary tract infection

Serious Ultomiris infusion side effects require immediate medical attention:

  • Serious meningococcal infections: The most serious risk, requiring immediate attention. Symptoms include fever with high heart rate, severe headache, stiff neck or back, confusion, sensitivity to light, body aches, or rash
  • Other serious infections: Including pneumonia or blood infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
  • Infusion-related reactions: Lower back or abdominal pain, muscle spasms, blood pressure changes, tiredness, shaking chills, discomfort in arms/legs, bad taste, chest pain, or trouble breathing
  • Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of face/tongue/throat, hives, or difficulty breathing

Your healthcare team provides comprehensive monitoring throughout your treatment, including observation during and after each infusion and ongoing assessment for any signs of infection.

How much does Ultomiris® cost?

The Ultomiris infusion cost depends on insurance coverage and provider. At Advanced Neurology Colorado, we're dedicated to improving access and affordability for all our patients.

We work with most major insurance plans throughout Colorado, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with Medicaid and Medicare. Our team works closely with your insurance company to ensure you receive maximum coverage for your Ultomiris treatment.

Our infusion staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:

  • Manages prior authorizations and benefits verification
  • Provides clear information about expected out-of-pocket costs
  • Assists with copay assistance programs and foundation support
  • Explores all available financial resources to reduce treatment costs

Why Patients Choose Advanced Neurology Colorado Infusion Center to Receive Their Ultomiris® Infusion:

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and supported by a team of BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in neurological infusion care.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

  • Ensuring all required vaccinations are completed before treatment initiation
  • Careful monitoring during and after each infusion
  • Ongoing assessment for any signs of infection
  • Education about recognizing symptoms that require immediate medical attention
  • Coordination with other specialists when needed

Our clinical expertise extends to comprehensive care for multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and other neurological disorders as well.

Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We help patients handle insurance paperwork and access copay and foundation assistance to make treatment more affordable.

A Cigna report recently found that infusions at physician-owned centers like Advanced Neurology Colorado's Infusion Center often result in lower overall costs than at hospital outpatient centers.

Established leader in MS & Neurological care

With 20+ years of expertise in neurological care, Advanced Neurology Colorado proudly serves patients across the state. Our established reputation and proven track record with immunotherapy and infusion treatments give patients confidence they're receiving care from a team with extensive experience in managing complement inhibitor therapy.

Learn more about Infusion Therapy at ANC

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Important Info

Referral Form:
Ultomiris
What It Treats:

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS)

Generalised Myasthenia Gravis

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

FDA Approval:

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Approved on December 21, 2018

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS): Approved on October 18, 2019

Generalised Myasthenia Gravis: Approved on April 28, 2022

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Approved on March 25, 2024

Manufacturer:

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

What Our Patients Have to Say

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.