Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It is available as an intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous injection. The dosage can vary depending on the treatment phase.
Omvoh is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called interleukin-23 (IL-23) antagonists. Omvoh is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Omvoh, including its strengths and how to administer the medication. For a comprehensive look at Omvoh, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Omvoh provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When administering Omvoh, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The information below describes Omvoh’s typical dosages and other details about the drug.
Omvoh forms
Omvoh comes in two forms: an intravenous (IV) infusion in a vial and a subcutaneous injection in a prefilled pen. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give your Omvoh IV infusion at the doctor’s office. However, you may self-inject subcutaneous Omvoh at home after receiving training on how to prepare and inject it.
Omvoh strengths
Omvoh comes in two strengths:
- 300 milligrams per 15 milliliters of solution (mg/mL)
- 100 mg/mL
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis
Doctors may prescribe Omvoh to treat moderate to severe active UC.
If your doctor prescribes Omvoh for your moderate to severe active UC, your starting dose will likely be 300 mg. Typically, you’ll be given this every 4 weeks for the first three doses.
After these first three doses, your doctor may reduce your dosage to 200 mg taken every 4 weeks. This is the typical recommended dosage of Omvoh for people with moderate to severe active UC.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage.
| Dose | Route | Timing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 300 mg | Intravenous | Week 0, 4 and 8 |
| Maintenance Dose | 200 mg (taken as two 100 mg injections) | Subcutaneous | Every 4 weeks, starting week 12 |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
How to administer Omvoh
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you the first three doses of Omvoh through IV infusion. First, they’ll draw up the Omvoh solution from the vial to mix and transfer to an infusion bag to dilute it. Then, they’ll prepare the infusion bag and inject Omvoh through a vein in your arm. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a healthcare facility to receive your infusion. The infusion takes about 30 minutes.
After your IV infusions, you will continue to take Omvoh as a subcutaneous injection from a single-dose prefilled pen or syringe.
With a subcutaneous injection, you’ll inject the medication under your skin. You’ll use the single-dose prefilled pen or syringe to give yourself Omvoh. Your doctor will administer your first dose. Then, they’ll show you (or your caregiver) how to do it. Make sure to inject Omvoh according to your prescribed instructions.
You’ll store Omvoh pens in the refrigerator.
You can self-inject Omvoh into your abdomen, thighs, or back of the upper arms. If you use your abdomen, do not inject Omvoh within 2 inches of your belly button.
Be sure to choose a different injection site each time you inject Omvoh. Avoid areas where your skin is tender, bruised, hard, or irritated. This will reduce your risk of injection-related side effects, such as bleeding or pain at the injection site.
For your full dose, you will need two injections with the prefilled pen or syringe, injecting right after the other.
If you have questions about how to use Omvoh, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A step-by-step instruction guide is available on the manufacturer’s website.
Long-term treatment
Omvoh is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Omvoh is safe and effective, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start the Omvoh treatment, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
It’s important that you don’t inject more Omvoh than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Omvoh
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve injected too much Omvoh. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below is a frequently asked question about Omvoh.
What should I do for a missed dose of Omvoh?
If you miss a dose of Omvoh, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose in 4 weeks. If you’re not sure how often you should take Omvoh, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
If you miss your appointment for an Omvoh infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed. If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.