23 Feb Uplizna
Uplizna
What is Uplizna?
Uplizna is a biologic infusion that is approved to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibody positive in adults.
NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause blindness and paralysis in the extremities if left untreated. In those suffering with NMSOD, the body attacks healthy tissues in the central nervous system (CNS) which results in damage to the optic nerve and spinal cord.
This damage to these vital components of the CMS are the result of anti-AQP4 attacking the myelin sheath, nerve cells, and astrocytes, know known as Aquaporin-4 (AQP4). AQP4 are cells that play a crucial role in ensuring the CNS works properly, and when attacked, results in inflammation that prevents neurons from communicating messages from the brain and spinal cord. Then neurons are unable to communicate with each other, is results in a variety of depilating symptoms and the creation and progression of disability.
Uplizna works by calming the body’s overreactive immune response through lowering the level of B cells in a patient’s body, which is thought to prevent anti-AQP4 from attacking healthy tissues.
What does Uplizna treat?
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4)
Side Effects
- Urinary tract infection
- Joint pain
- Increased risk of infection
- Infusion reaction
Click here for additional side effects
Infusion Duration
90 minutes
Infusion Cycle
6 months after first two doses of every 2 weeks.
What to Expect During Your Infusion
Before your infusion, it is important to drink plenty of water and come to your appointment hydrated. Additionally, you must alert us as soon as possible to any changes in your insurance to ensure that we are still an in-network provider for your infusion therapy.
- Your dedicated Infusion nurse will check your vitals and review your medical history to check for improvements or potential side effects of your infusion therapy.
- Your nurse will begin your infusion and check in on you periodically during your treatment.
- After your infusion, your nurse will monitor you for 30 minutes to ensure you do not have any complications or reactions to the infusion therapy.
Why patients choose Pure to receive their Uplizna infusion:
Safe & Private Suites
- Comfortable, private rooms with a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere
- 55” TVs with Netflix, Wifi, drinks, snacks, meals & more
Expert Medical Staff
- Certified FNPs & infusion nurses on-site
- Insurance pre-authorizations & re-authorizations
- Patient lab work
Patient Assistance
- Co-Pay assistance & other financial aid programs
- Flexible scheduling
- Easy & convenient parking
Patient Stories
PURE has found a way to put patient care First!!! With knowledgeable empathetic experienced staff to Private rooms with the ambiance and amenities of a 5 star Hotel!!!
A diagnoses requiring infusions is scary. I feel optimistic that my treatment requiring infusions in an environment like PURE Will smooth the road to a successful outcome for my overall health. Feeling Grateful………
When I arrived, I was introduced to Holly who was going to be giving me my infusion. Holly was great to work with. She was professional, informative, and approachable.
Finally, the suites were fully decked out with whatever you may need. Drinks, snacks, wifi, TV. The chairs were amazingly comfy.
I'm a huge fan and they have another loyal customer!
Additionally, the staff is way more helpful in my opinion in working with your insurance and communicating the progress of everything with you than other locations.
If you get IV infusions of any sort, check this place out. I'd bet money you will never go back to a hospital or other facility.
From a customer service standpoint they are amazing as well. The girl at the front desk was so welcoming and made me feel comfortable from the start and helped me sign up for the copay program for my medication.
They provide a pillow, plush blanket, a TV with streaming options, snacks, drinks and even buy you lunch. I joked with Natalie that it felt like a "white glove" or "first class experience."
I think providing those options adds to the patient experience in the sense that you feel comfortable and therefore less nervous. Natalie took great care of me during and especially after my infusion to make sure I was truly good to go before leaving their care.
Thank you all for a great experience. If I have to sit through infusions, at least it was with style, class, and real care!
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