Key takeaways
- Enspryng is a brand-name prescription injection used to treat NMOSD. Certain side effects — such as headache, joint pain, and fatigue — are common but often temporary, lasting only a few days to weeks.
- Because Enspryng can affect your immune system and liver, your doctor will order blood tests to check for things like low white blood cell count and increased liver enzyme levels.
- Always talk with your healthcare professional before stopping treatment or if you have an active infection, as Enspryng can make it harder for your body to fight off illnesses.
If you’re living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), your doctor might suggest a treatment called Enspryng (satralizumab-mwge). It’s a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin.
Like most drugs, Enspryng can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and easy to manage, but it’s important to know what to watch for.
When people first start this medication, they might notice a few common reactions. According to Enspryng’s prescribing information, these were the side effects reported most often in clinical trials:
- headache
- joint pain
- skin rash
- fatigue
- nausea
- upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
- gastritis (inflammation of your stomach lining)
Usually, these issues are temporary and will clear up within a few days to weeks. But if they don’t go away or start to really bother you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Beyond the common issues previously listed, Enspryng can cause other mild side effects. These may include:
- injection site reactions
- itchiness
- weight gain
- high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels
Your doctor will likely monitor your blood work periodically to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and overall health during your treatment with this medication.
While it’s not common, Enspryng can sometimes cause serious side effects. You should call your doctor immediately if you notice anything that feels severe.
Serious side effects that have been reported include:
- Neutropenia: This is a drop in your white blood cells, which help your body fight infection.
- Serious infections: Because Enspryng affects your immune system, you might be more likely to get a serious infection.
- Liver problems: An increase in liver enzymes can be a sign of liver damage. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver function before and during your treatment.
- Hepatitis B reactivation: If you’ve had hepatitis B in the past, it could become active again during Enspryng treatment.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to this injection.
Note: If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face and throat, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.
The good news is that there are ways to make certain side effects easier to handle.
For gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of your stomach lining. If you experience stomach discomfort from Enspryng, you can take these steps to help manage it:
- Adjust your eating habits: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large ones to make digestion easier on your stomach.
- Identify triggers: Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods, as these can often worsen the symptoms of an inflamed stomach lining.
- Ask about over-the-counter (OTC) help: Before taking any new medications, ask your doctor if an OTC antacid or acid reducer is safe to use with your current treatment plan.
- Consult your healthcare team: Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if stomach pain persists or becomes bothersome. They can suggest specific ways to manage the inflammation or recommend other treatment options.
For joint pain
Joint pain was a commonly reported side effect in Enspryng studies. Steps you can take to help manage symptoms include:
- Try OTC pain relievers.
- Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).
- Apply topical capsaicin creams.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips on how to manage any bothersome side effects you might have from Enspryng.
Before you take your first dose, talk with your doctor about your health history. Enspryng might not be the right choice if you have certain medical conditions.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you:
- Have an active infection: You should not start Enspryng if you’re currently sick.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits.
- Have liver problems: Since the drug can affect liver enzymes, your doctor needs to know your history.
- Need vaccinations: Before starting Enspryng, you should complete any necessary live or live-attenuated vaccinations at least 4 weeks beforehand and any non-live vaccines at least 2 weeks beforehand.
- Have a history of tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B: Your doctor will screen you for these conditions before you start treatment.
Do not stop Enspryng treatment without talking with your doctor first. They can help you determine if your side effects are manageable or if it’s time to try a different treatment option.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.