How VYVGART helped reduce my gMG symptoms

Marge was diagnosed with anti-AChR antibody positive gMG in 2018 and started on VYVGART for intravenous (IV) infusion in 2022. In this guest post, she shares how VYVGART helped reduce multiple symptoms she’d experienced over the years and why a lifelong attitude of hope has been important to her journey.

Marge
Started on VYVGART for IV infusion in 2022

Marge is a paid spokesperson of argenx.

My father had the worst luck, but the best attitude. He told me, “If all you see on a bad day is a flower, it was a good day.” And I’ve always held on to that sentiment.

My parents came from a farming and fishing community in Cape Breton, an island off the coast of Nova Scotia. We weren’t wealthy, but we were happy and had what we needed. My father’s hopeful outlook helped shape an ideal 1950s childhood of dancing, reading, and even developing trade skills like carpentry. And that hope has stayed with me throughout my life, especially during my gMG diagnosis.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when my gMG symptoms started. Looking back at photos from grade school, I noticed my eyes didn’t open wide. But I didn’t think anything of it at the time. I also remember feeling generally tired but just thinking it was due to my active lifestyle. Now I wonder if some of that was because of gMG: Were my droopy eyelids a gMG symptom? Was my muscle fatigue a gMG symptom?

In these educational guides, learn more about the gMG symptoms that may affect you.

The first experience that really alarmed me was in 2018 when I was preparing a litter of puppies to go to their “forever homes.” As much as I loved caring for them, it was very tiring. I wanted to take naps and when I wasn’t able to, my speech would start slurring. To make matters worse, I was scared to eat because I was also having a hard time swallowing. A nurse who picked up one of the puppies thought I was having a stroke and recommended I go to the ER. After days at the hospital with doctors evaluating my condition, I asked to see a speech specialist since my symptoms were mainly around my throat. Once that specialist spoke with the doctors, my anti-AChR antibody positive gMG diagnosis was confirmed.


“During my first treatment cycle, the nurse said she could see a difference, and so could I.”


While I was on my initial treatments for gMG, my doctor told me about VYVGART for IV infusion. I wanted to take it as soon as I could. Before I was prescribed, my doctor told me that the most common side effects are respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. During my first treatment cycle, the nurse said she could see a difference, and so could I. My eyes could finally open up wider. Then, I noticed an improvement in my ability to walk and use my arms. But the biggest triumph was I could comfortably eat a meal!

Working with my doctor has helped determine a treatment plan based on my symptoms. I get 1 treatment a week for 4 weeks, with a break between cycles that works for me. I track my symptoms with the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale every week to help recognize my results, particularly in symptoms related to my throat and muscles. It also helps me share progress with my healthcare team and it really makes me think: Are things going steadily? Have my symptoms gotten worse or better? It's a particularly great tool to share with my doctor. My experience with VYVGART has generally been wonderful, and I see that in my MG-ADL scores.

Use the MG-ADL scale to help track your symptoms.

Today, gMG is something I have to keep in mind, but I can fill my days with some activities I enjoy, like cooking meals from scratch, taking Tai Chi classes, and spending time with my dogs.

Doug Doug Doug
Doug Doug Doug

For me, VYVGART has renewed my hope and helps manage some of my symptoms that I experience in my everyday life. I encourage others in the gMG community to talk to their doctor about how to manage their unique symptoms in a way that works for them. Everyone has different experiences and deserves to be heard. I wish for others in the gMG community to hold on to my father’s message of hope, so they, too, can find the flowers in the bad days.

AChR=acetylcholine receptor.


VYVGART Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) | VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)
VYVGART Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) | VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)

Still have questions? Call 1-833-VYVGART (1-833-898-4278) to speak with an educator about gMG, how VYVGART works in the body, study data, cost and coverage, and more.

Do not take VYVGART if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa or any of the ingredients in VYVGART. Do not take VYVGART HYTRULO if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients in VYVGART HYTRULO. VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause serious allergic reactions and a decrease in blood pressure leading to fainting.

Before taking VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have an infection or fever.
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations.
  • have any history of allergic reactions.
  • have kidney (renal) problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO will harm your unborn baby.
    • Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who use VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby. Your healthcare provider can enroll you in this registry. You may also enroll yourself or get more information about the registry by calling 1-855-272-6524 or going to VYVGARTPregnancy.com
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause side effects which can be serious, including:

  • Infection. VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO may increase the risk of infection. If you have an active infection, your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO until your infection is gone. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of an infection:
    • fever
    • chills
    • frequent and painful urination
    • cough
    • pain and blockage of nasal passages
    • wheezing
    • shortness of breath
    • sore throat
    • excess phlegm
    • nasal discharge
  • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions). VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause allergic reactions that can be severe. These reactions can happen during, shortly after, or weeks after your VYVGART infusion or VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction with VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO:
    • rash
    • swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
    • shortness of breath
    • trouble breathing
    • low blood pressure
    • fainting

An additional symptom of an allergic reaction with VYVGART HYTRULO can include hives.

  • Infusion or injection-related reactions. VYVGART can cause infusion-related reactions. VYVGART HYTRULO can cause infusion or injection-related reactions. These reactions can happen during or shortly after your VYVGART infusion or VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infusion or injection-related reaction:
    • high blood pressure
    • chills
    • shivering
    • chest, stomach, or back pain

The most common side effects of VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO include respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. An additional common side effect with VYVGART HYTRULO includes injection site reactions.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) for intravenous (IV) infusion and what is VYVGART HYTRULO® (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) for subcutaneous injection?

VYVGART and VYVGART HYTRULO are both prescription medicines used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

It is not known if VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing and Patient Information for VYVGART HYTRULO for subcutaneous injection and full Prescribing Information for VYVGART for IV infusion.

Dosage forms and strengths:

VYVGART Hytrulo is available as a single-dose subcutaneous injection containing: 200 mg/mL of efgartigimod alfa and 2,000 U/mL of hyaluronidase per prefilled syringe, or 180 mg/mL of efgartigimod alfa and 2,000 U/mL of hyaluronidase per vial. VYVGART is available as a single-dose injection for intravenous use containing 400 mg/20 mL of efgartigimod alfa-fcab per vial.

Do not take VYVGART if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa or any of the ingredients in VYVGART. Do not take VYVGART HYTRULO if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients in VYVGART HYTRULO. VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause serious allergic reactions and a decrease in blood pressure leading to fainting.

Before taking VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have an infection or fever.
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations.
  • have any history of allergic reactions.
  • have kidney (renal) problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO will harm your unborn baby.
    • Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who use VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby. Your healthcare provider can enroll you in this registry. You may also enroll yourself or get more information about the registry by calling 1-855-272-6524 or going to VYVGARTPregnancy.com
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause side effects which can be serious, including:

  • Infection. VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO may increase the risk of infection. If you have an active infection, your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO until your infection is gone. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of an infection:
    • fever
    • chills
    • frequent and painful urination
    • cough
    • pain and blockage of nasal passages
    • wheezing
    • shortness of breath
    • sore throat
    • excess phlegm
    • nasal discharge
  • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions). VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO can cause allergic reactions that can be severe. These reactions can happen during, shortly after, or weeks after your VYVGART infusion or VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction with VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO:
    • rash
    • swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
    • shortness of breath
    • trouble breathing
    • low blood pressure
    • fainting

An additional symptom of an allergic reaction with VYVGART HYTRULO can include hives.

  • Infusion or injection-related reactions. VYVGART can cause infusion-related reactions. VYVGART HYTRULO can cause infusion or injection-related reactions. These reactions can happen during or shortly after your VYVGART infusion or VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infusion or injection-related reaction:
    • high blood pressure
    • chills
    • shivering
    • chest, stomach, or back pain

The most common side effects of VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO include respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. An additional common side effect with VYVGART HYTRULO includes injection site reactions.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) for intravenous (IV) infusion and what is VYVGART HYTRULO® (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) for subcutaneous injection?

VYVGART and VYVGART HYTRULO are both prescription medicines used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

It is not known if VYVGART or VYVGART HYTRULO is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing and Patient Information for VYVGART HYTRULO for subcutaneous injection and full Prescribing Information for VYVGART for IV infusion.

Dosage forms and strengths:

VYVGART Hytrulo is available as a single-dose subcutaneous injection containing: 200 mg/mL of efgartigimod alfa and 2,000 U/mL of hyaluronidase per prefilled syringe, or 180 mg/mL of efgartigimod alfa and 2,000 U/mL of hyaluronidase per vial. VYVGART is available as a single-dose injection for intravenous use containing 400 mg/20 mL of efgartigimod alfa-fcab per vial.