Mavenclad®
cladribine
Quick Facts
Mavenclad® (cladribine) selectively targets, depletes and then reconstitutes immune cells.
Tablet taken orally
Up to 20 days of oral treatment over two years; taken for two weeks in the first year and two weeks in the second year.
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary-progressive MS. Not recommended for clinically isolated syndrome
Potential Benefit:
- 58% reduction in relapse rate with 81% of people remaining relapse-free after 96 weeks.
- In MRI scans, Mavenclad showed a 73% reduction in new or enlarging T2 lesions compared to placebo.
- Unlike ongoing maintenance therapies, Mavenclad® is delivered in a short course with the goal of long-term sustained reduction in inflammation and disease progression.
Common Potential Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infections, headache, decreased lymphocyte counts.
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Barry A. Hendin, MD
“It’s always important to include patients in treatment decisions. It improves adherence and it’s just respectful.”
DRUGMAKER
EMD Serono
HOW Mavenclad® WORKS
Mavenclad® works by targeting and temporarily reducing the amount of T and B cells (lymphocytes). These white blood cells are associated with the abnormal immune response that causes damage to the myelin coating of nerves.
FDA-Approved
Mavenclad® was FDA-approved in 2019 for relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary-progressive disease, in adults. Mavenclad® is not recommended for use in individuals with clinically isolated syndrome.
Potential Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infection, headache, low white blood cell count (lymphopenia), nausea, back pain, joint pain, and insomnia. More rare but serious adverse events are lymphopenia, herpes zoster infection, tuberculosis, and increased risk of malignancy (cancer). A possible serious side effect is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability over a period of weeks or months.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Testing completed prior to starting Mavenclad® includes:
- Blood Test
Testing completed after starting Mavenclad® includes:
- Blood test three and seven months into treatment course
- Blood test before beginning the second year of treatment
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
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Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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