-
Your doctor would most likely have you slowly taper off the current immunosuppressant (mycophenolate) you are on and then may put you on to maintain symptoms during the period the new immunosuppressant may take up to a year to start seeing improvement if they believe the IVIG and mestinon are not going to be enough: prednisone, plasma exchange. Those offer rapid improvement if they work with your body.
—
When deciding on which immunosuppressant to try, your doctor will have to consider any conflicts with your SLE and hypothyroidism. The following treatments are all antibody-based biologics like Rituximab you mention you are on:
- Eculizumab (Soliris®) and efgartigimod (Vyvgart®)
- Ravulizumab-cwvz (Ultomiris®)
- Zilucoplan (Zilbrysq®)
- Rozanolixizumab-noli (Rystiggo®)
Biologics are drugs made from living organisms and are often administered intravenously. Allergic and infusion reactions are possible, which may require the drug to be stopped. More severe side effects include changes in white blood cell counts, infections such as respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, and changes in liver function.
—
Soliris, Ultomiris, and Zilbrysq have a boxed warning. People treated with these drugs have developed life-threatening infections, including meningitis, a deadly bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord. You should get a meningococcal vaccine at least two weeks before your first dose of Soliris, Ultomiris, or Zilbrysq. Your doctor will also likely have you get regular booster shots, and your doctor may recommend antibiotics to avoid meningococcal disease.
– Jodi, Team Member