Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz) is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis in adults. It comes as a liquid solution for injection. It’s usually given once every 4 weeks after the starting phase of treatment.
The active ingredient in Omvoh is mirikizumab-mrkz. (The reason “-mrkz” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that it’s distinct from similar drugs that may be created in the future.)
Omvoh is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. It belongs to a group of drugs called interleukin-23 antagonists.
This article describes the dosages of Omvoh, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about Omvoh, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Omvoh. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Omvoh’s forms?
Omvoh comes as a liquid solution. It’s given as either an injection under your skin or an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein over time) by a healthcare professional.
What strengths does Omvoh come in?
Omvoh is available in two strengths:
- a single-dose vial containing 300 milligrams (mg) in 15 milliliters (mL) of solution
- a single-dose, prefilled injection pen or syringe containing 100 mg/mL
What are the usual dosages of Omvoh?
Your dosage depends on the form of Omvoh you’re prescribed and your phase of treatment. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
The dosage of Omvoh for adults with ulcerative colitis depends on the phase of treatment.
When you first start Omvoh, it’s called the induction (beginning) phase of treatment. You’ll receive higher doses to help the medication start working quickly to manage your condition.
You’ll receive the first three doses of Omvoh as IV infusions from a healthcare professional over the course of 8 weeks. These 300-mg IV infusions are administered over the course of at least 30 minutes on weeks 0, 4, and 8.
Then you’ll begin the maintenance (ongoing) phase of treatment with Omvoh. Your dosage is two 100-mg injections under the skin on week 12 and then 200 mg once every 4 weeks after that.
Is Omvoh used long term?
Yes, Omvoh is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for treating your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
The dosage of Omvoh you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the phase of treatment (induction or maintenance)
- the form of Omvoh you’re using
Omvoh is administered in two different ways. It can be given as an IV infusion at a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. It also can be given as an injection under the skin, which a healthcare professional can show you how to do at home.
For the first phase of treatment, you’ll receive Omvoh as an IV infusion. This infusion will take place over the course of at least 30 minutes every 4 weeks for three doses (weeks 0, 4, and 8).
Then you’ll switch to the maintenance phase and give yourself an injection every 4 weeks. You’ll give yourself two 100-mg injections with Omvoh injection pens or syringes to complete one 200-mg dose. You can inject Omvoh under the skin of your thigh or abdomen. A caregiver can also inject Omvoh under the skin on the back of your upper arm. You’ll inject doses once every 4 weeks.
You can find written and video instructions on how to give yourself Omvoh injections on the manufacturer’s site.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Omvoh, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss an appointment for an Omvoh infusion during the induction phase of treatment, call your doctor’s office right away to reschedule. They’ll give you the missed dose and adjust your dosing schedule if needed.
If you miss an Omvoh injection during the maintenance phase of treatment, inject it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose after 4 weeks and continue administering doses once every 4 weeks.
If you need help remembering to inject your doses of Omvoh, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
If you have questions about what to do for a missed dose, talk with your doctor.
Do not inject more Omvoh than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you inject too much Omvoh
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Omvoh. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Omvoh’s dosage.
Is Omvoh’s dosage similar to the dosages of Simponi or Entyvio?
No, it’s not. Although these three drugs have some similarities, their dosages, active ingredients, and some uses differ.
Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz), Simponi (golimumab), and Entyvio (vedolizumab) are all biologics. (These are drugs made from living cells.) All three are used to treat ulcerative colitis, but Simponi and Entyvio have other uses as well.
Omvoh comes as a liquid solution that’s either given as an IV infusion or an injection under the skin. The dosage and way it’s given depend on the phase of treatment.
For treating ulcerative colitis, Simponi is given as an injection under the skin. The dosage and dosing schedule depend on the phase of treatment. To learn more about Simponi’s dosage, check out this article.
Entyvio comes as a powder that’s mixed with sterile water to make a liquid solution. This solution is administered via IV infusion by a healthcare professional. Entyvio also comes in a prefilled injection syringe or pen and is injected under the skin. The dosage, dosing schedule, and way it’s administered depend on the phase of treatment.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.
How long does it take for Omvoh to start working?
Omvoh starts to work after your first dose. In studies, most people had fewer symptoms at week 12 of treatment. Your doctor will monitor you to be sure the drug is effectively working to treat your condition. Talk with them if you have other questions about what to expect from your Omvoh treatment.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Omvoh’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Do I have a higher risk of Omvoh side effects with the IV infusion than with the injection?
- How does the dosage of Omvoh compare with that of Humira (adalimumab)?
- Will I need a dosage adjustment if I have liver problems?
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.