Enspryng (Satralizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Enspryng Used For?
Enspryng contains the active ingredient satralizumab and is a specialized medication designed to treat a rare autoimmune condition affecting the nervous system.
Primary Uses
Enspryng is used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in adult patients who test positive for an antibody called AQP4-IgG (aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G), also known as NMO-IgG. NMOSD is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, mainly affecting the optic nerves in your eyes and spinal cord. This damage can cause inflammation leading to pain, loss of sight, weakness or loss of movement in arms or legs, loss of feeling, and problems with bladder and bowel function.
How It Works
Enspryng works by blocking the action of a protein called ‘interleukin-6’ (IL-6). This protein is involved in inflammation in the body and levels of this protein are high in NMOSD. By blocking IL-6, Enspryng may reduce the risk of a relapse or attack of NMOSD.
Good to know: This medicine is subject to additional monitoring to allow quick identification of new safety information, helping ensure your safety.
How to Take Enspryng
Enspryng is given by injection under the skin using a single-dose pre-filled syringe. Treatment should be started under the supervision of a specialist doctor experienced in treating NMOSD.
Dosage Instructions
Each injection contains 120 mg of satralizumab. Inject the entire content of the syringe each time. The first injection will be given under the supervision of your doctor or nurse. The first three injections (loading dose) are given once every two weeks. After this, the injection (maintenance dose) is given once every four weeks. Once you have been trained, your doctor may decide that you or your caregiver can inject Enspryng. After removing the cap, the injection must be started within 5 minutes to prevent the medicine from drying out and blocking the needle.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget your scheduled injection, talk to your doctor on how to continue Enspryng treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed as this may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
Important: Do not suddenly stop using Enspryng without asking your doctor first. Follow the instructions provided and use Enspryng for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- local reaction at injection site (hot flushes, skin reddening, itching, rash and pain)
- joint pain
- low fibrinogen levels in the blood
- migraine
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle stiffness
- rash
- itching
- runny or stuffy nose, sneezing
- fluid retention causing swelling in lower legs or hands
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- serious infections
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other parts of body, rash, itching or hives)
- signs of increased liver enzymes (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes, dark coloured urine, feeling and being sick)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before and during treatment with Enspryng.
Who Should Not Take Enspryng
Do not use Enspryng if you are allergic to satralizumab or any of the ingredients listed, if you have had an allergic reaction to any other medicine containing proteins of hamster origin, or if you notice the medicine is cloudy, discoloured or contains visible particles. Signs of allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, or rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any medicines for any other condition, have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, think you have any signs of infection, or have recently had vaccines or might be given vaccines in the near future. You cannot have ‘live’ or ‘live attenuated’ vaccines while being treated with Enspryng. Signs of infection may include fever or chills, cough that does not go away, sore throat, herpes, skin redness, swelling, tenderness or pain, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or belly pain.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Women able to become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment with Enspryng and for at least three months after their last injection. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding during treatment as it is not known if Enspryng passes into breast milk.
Infection Risk: Call your doctor straight away if you develop a serious infection while using Enspryng. You will need to stop using Enspryng until the infection is controlled.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Enspryng and affect how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines.
Vaccine Restriction: You cannot have ‘live’ or ‘live attenuated’ vaccines while being treated with Enspryng.
- warfarin
- carbamazepine
- phenytoin
- theophylline
- live or live attenuated vaccines (such as BCG for tuberculosis or vaccines against yellow fever)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Enspryng affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Enspryng affects you.
Storage
Keep your Enspryng pre-filled syringe in the carton until it is time to use it to protect it from light. Refrigerate between 2°C and 8°C – do not freeze and do not shake it. If stored at room temperature, the total time out of refrigeration should not be longer than 8 days at a temperature that does not exceed 30°C. Store away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have used too much Enspryng, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enspryng works by reducing the risk of NMOSD relapses or attacks. The first three injections are given as loading doses every two weeks, followed by maintenance doses every four weeks. Your doctor will monitor your progress to assess how well the treatment is working for you.
Yes, once you have been properly trained by your doctor or nurse, you or your caregiver may be able to inject Enspryng at home. The first injection will always be given under medical supervision, and you should not attempt self-injection until you fully understand the proper technique.
Call your doctor straight away if you develop a serious infection while using Enspryng. You will need to stop using Enspryng until the infection is controlled. Signs of infection include fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, or skin redness and swelling.
You cannot receive ‘live’ or ‘live attenuated’ vaccines while being treated with Enspryng, such as BCG for tuberculosis or vaccines against yellow fever. Talk to your doctor about any vaccines you may need during treatment.
If you forget your scheduled injection, talk to your doctor about how to continue your Enspryng treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Keep Enspryng in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze or shake it. If stored at room temperature, use within 8 days and ensure temperature doesn’t exceed 30°C.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women who can become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least three months after the last injection. If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to stop during treatment as it’s unknown if Enspryng passes into breast milk.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.