1. How does it work?
Satralizumab works by inhibiting a certain protein called interleukin-6, which normally functions to mediate communication between white blood cells and increase inflammatory immune responses.
2. Who should not take this drug?
Do not take Satralizumab if you: 1) are allergic to ENSPRYNG or any of the ingredients in ENSPRYNG, 2) have an active hepatitis B infection, 3) have active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis.
3. How is it taken?
Injections under the skin at home.
4. How often is it generally taken?
One injection into the skin per month, with the exception of the first month with injections at Weeks 0, 2, and 4.
5. What is the typical dosage?
120 mg once per month.
6. How much does it reduce my risk of relapse?
In the clinical trial Sakurastar, Satralizumab reduced the risk of relapse by roughly 55% compared to individuals with NMOSD not on therapy.
7. What are the side effects?
Upper respiratory tract infections, headache, rash, joint pain, fatigue, and nausea are the most common side effects.
8. What should I do to prepare for taking this?
Your doctor should check your blood work for cell counts, liver enzymes, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
9. What ongoing monitoring should occur when taking this drug?
Yearly tuberculosis and hepatitis screening. Your blood count needs to be checked six weeks after starting the medication to check for the neutrophil level. Liver function tests need to be checked monthly for the first three months, then every three months after that for the first year of therapy.
10. Who makes this medication?
Satralizumab is produced by Genentech (a member of Roche).
11. How can I get help paying for it?
Genentech is committed to helping patients access the medicines prescribed by their physician. For people with NMOSD, the Enspryng Access Solutions team is available to answer questions, provide product education, injection training and help families understand insurance coverage and navigate appropriate financial assistance options to start and stay on Enspryng. Patients can call 1-844-NSPRYNG (844-677-7964) to speak to a Patient Navigator or visit Enspryng.com.
12. Can I take it if I’m pregnant?
There is no FDA pregnancy category assigned to Satralizumab. There has been no harm in animal studies, however no human studies have been performed. It is unclear if this medication is safe for use in pregnancy and should be discussed with your doctor.
13. Clinical trial information
In the clinical trial Sakurastar, 95 individuals were studied. They were both positive and negative for the AQP-4 antibody. Individuals taking the drug were compared to individuals not taking any drug, with seropositive individuals responding much better than seronegative individuals.
14. Will my insurance cover it?
This will depend on your insurance company and the billing code your doctor uses. For specific questions, call the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card with the name of the drug in question, as well as ICD (diagnostic) code your doctor uses.
15. Is it FDA approved for NMOSD?
Yes.
