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Frequently asked questions

Living with and getting treatment for NMOSD comes with many questions. Luckily, we have answers for you (and everyone else who's wondering the same thing).

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Cheena — taking ENSPRYNG since 2021

About ENSPRYNG

ENSPRYNG is a prescription medication approved for NMOSD in AQP4-IgG(+) adults that has been proven to reduce the risk of relapse. It is also the only self-administered subcutaneous injection given under the skin for NMOSD. If your healthcare provider determines it is appropriate and after proper training, you or your caregiver have the ability to give it in the comfort of your own home.

ENSPRYNG is for adults with AQP4+ NMOSD who are:

  • Newly diagnosed and exploring treatment options
  • Currently receiving treatment for NMOSD with:
    • oral immunosuppressive therapies (ISTs) such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or oral corticosteroids
    • approved or investigational monoclonal antibodies
  • Uncertain about, or not responding well to, their current therapy

Do not take ENSPRYNG if you:

  • are allergic to ENSPRYNG or any of the ingredients in ENSPRYNG
  • have an active hepatitis B infection
  • have active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis

The specific way ENSPRYNG works is not completely understood, but it is thought to affect the protein interleukin 6 (IL-6). ENSPRYNG is the first treatment for NMOSD designed to block IL-6, a protein made by immune cells in our bodies that may play a key role in the inflammation that occurs in people with NMOSD.

ENSPRYNG has been studied both alone and with ISTs (eg, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or oral corticosteroids), but since every person is different, your doctor will need to decide what's best for you. Just remember to tell your doctor about every medicine you're taking before starting treatment.

Genentech Access Solutions will tell you which specialty pharmacy your health insurance plan wants you to use. When we check your coverage, we also refer you to a specialty pharmacy that can ship your Genentech medicine to your home or doctor's office.

Your specialty pharmacy might call you to confirm insurance and shipping details. Be sure you return all calls from the specialty pharmacy. This helps them send your Genentech medicine on time.

In 2 clinical studies, ENSPRYNG was proven to reduce the risk for relapse when used by itself or with certain immunosuppressive therapy. In both studies, more patients were relapse-free with ENSPRYNG than with placebo.

Want to know more about the ENSPRYNG studies? See its proven results here

ENSPRYNG may cause serious side effects including: infections, increased liver enzymes, and low neutrophil counts. All required vaccinations should be completed before starting ENSPRYNG. Do not take ENSPRYNG if you are allergic to satralizumab-mwge or any of the ingredients in ENSPRYNG, have an active hepatitis B infection, or have active or untreated inactive (latent) TB.

These are not all the possible serious side effects with ENSPRYNG. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience side effects while taking ENSPRYNG.

The most common side effects of ENSPRYNG include:

  • sore throat/runny nose (nasopharyngitis)
  • rash
  • fatigue
  • extremity pain
  • headache
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • nausea
  • inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
  • joint pain (arthralgia)

These are not all the possible side effects of ENSPRYNG. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience side effects while taking ENSPRYNG.

Taking ENSPRYNG

ENSPRYNG is a subcutaneous injection that comes in a prefilled syringe. Once you've received 3 starting doses in the first 4 weeks of treatment and been trained and approved by your doctor to self-inject, you'll be able to take ENSPRYNG yourself or with the help of a caregiver, wherever you choose, every month.

Your doctor will train you to self-inject or teach your caregiver how to give you your medicine. If you or your caregiver would still like more training after that, you can set up a free, one-on-one session with a Clinical Education Manager* (CEM) either in person or virtually to receive supplemental injection training and educational materials to help you get more comfortable with the injections and learn more about ENSPRYNG and NMOSD.

*This program is intended primarily for patients prescribed ENSPRYNG who are in their first year of treatment. Clinical Education Managers are Genentech employees and do not give medical advice.

If you'd like to adjust your dosing schedule, please talk to your doctor before doing so. They can help you find a safe solution that better fits your needs.

If a starting dose is missed, you should take it immediately, then maintain the 2-week dosing interval from your new starting date until the first 3 doses are complete, and then continue with ongoing doses every 4 weeks.

If an ongoing dose is missed, you should take it immediately, wait the 4-week interval from your new starting date, and continue with ongoing doses every 4 weeks.

Speak with your doctor if you have any questions about how to restart treatment or if it has been more than 8 weeks since your last dose of ENSPRYNG.

ENSPRYNG should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton. You can store ENSPRYNG at room temperature for up to 8 days, giving you control over where you take it.

If the seal is broken, your medication has expired, or there are any other issues with your medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not use the medication.

If you have experienced this, we encourage everyone to report any side effects related to ENSPRYNG or other Genentech prescription drugs to Genentech, Inc. at 888-835-2555 and the FDA at 800-FDA-1088.

Yes, you can take ENSPRYNG with you wherever you'd like, as long as your doctor has trained and approved you to self-inject. Just be sure to stick to your regular dosing schedule and keep ENSPRYNG in a travel cooler whenever possible. You can store ENSPRYNG at room temperature (no higher than 86°F/30°C) for up to 8 days, giving you control over where you take it.

It's important to stay on track with your ENSPRYNG injections. Keep track of the date of each dose and where it was given (left abdomen, right abdomen, left thigh, or right thigh), as you'll need to rotate injection sites. Make note of any reactions and how you felt, so you can discuss with your doctor. It can help to set reminders of your upcoming injection days in your phone or calendar.

About NMOSD

NMOSD stands for “neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder” and is sometimes called “neuromyelitis optica” or “NMO” for short. It is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease marked by inflammation of the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMOSD can cause relapses that result in new or worsening symptoms.

NMOSD symptoms can be different from person to person, so it's important to discuss any you experience with your doctor. Common symptoms include:

  • blurred vision
  • inability to see colors
  • complete vision loss
  • pain
  • weakness
  • paralysis in the legs
  • loss of sensation or numbness
  • bladder and bowel control issues
  • severe hiccups
  • vomiting
  • nausea

AQP4+ is short for AQP4-IgG(+), which is short for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G. It's an antibody produced by the immune system that helps in diagnosing NMOSD. If you're curious about your AQP4-IgG antibody status, talk to your doctor about getting tested for it.

Up to 90% of people living with NMOSD experience relapses. If left untreated, relapses can lead to damage that is irreversible and progressive, meaning the more relapses you have, the worse your symptoms become over time, which is why it's so important to talk to your doctor about managing your NMOSD with a treatment like ENSPRYNG.

Anytime you experience a relapse, call your doctor immediately.

Support Options

Your Patient Navigator from Genentech Access Solutions can help you understand your insurance coverage and assistance options. There may be options that may help you afford your medication, no matter what type of health insurance you have.

For more information, visit the Financial Assistance Options page or call 844-NSPRYNG (844-677-7964).

Yes. Along with the Injection Training Video and Administration Pocket Guide, 1:1 injection training is available with a Clinical Education Manager.* If you're interested, fill out this form to request support from a CEM.

*This program is intended primarily for patients prescribed ENSPRYNG who are in their first year of treatment. Clinical Education Managers are Genentech employees and do not give medical advice.

In addition to the ENSPRYNG website, there are several NMOSD advocacy organizations dedicated to providing valuable disease information and support to those who are living with or caring for someone with NMOSD. Check out the Helpful Resources page for more information.

"I would encourage anyone with NMOSD to learn, to advocate for themselves, and find the right treatment for them."


Two women sitting on a bench; one, named Cheena, uses a cane and has been taking ENSPRYNG since 2021.

Did you know you can sign up for ENSPRYNG support?

In just a few minutes, you can be signed up to receive information about ENSPRYNG, NMOSD, and more—straight to your inbox.

Speak up in your treatment conversation

It can be intimidating and overwhelming to speak up for yourself in a medical setting, but it's important to express what's important to you in a treatment, so you can find one that works for you.

Important Safety Information & Indication

What is ENSPRYNG?

ENSPRYNG is a prescription medicine used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults who are aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive. It is not known if ENSPRYNG is safe and effective in children.

Who should not receive ENSPRYNG?

Do not take ENSPRYNG if you:

  • are allergic to ENSPRYNG or any of the ingredients in ENSPRYNG.
  • have an active hepatitis B infection.
  • have active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis.
What is the most important information I should know about ENSPRYNG?

ENSPRYNG may cause serious side effects including:

  • Infections. ENSPRYNG can increase your risk of serious infections, some of which can be life-threatening. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are being treated for an infection, or call them right away if you think you have signs of an infection, with or without a fever, such as:
    • chills, feeling tired, muscle aches, cough that will not go away or a sore throat
    • skin redness, swelling, tenderness, pain or sores on your body
    • diarrhea, belly pain, or feeling sick
    • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual

Your healthcare provider will check if you have an infection and treat it if needed before you start or continue to take ENSPRYNG.

  • Your healthcare provider should test you for hepatitis and tuberculosis (TB) before you start taking ENSPRYNG.
  • All required vaccinations should be completed before starting ENSPRYNG. People using ENSPRYNG should not be given ‘live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines. ‘Live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines should be given at least 4 weeks before you start ENSPRYNG. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you get a ‘non-live’ (inactivated) vaccine, such as some of the seasonal flu vaccines. If you plan to get a ‘non-live’ (inactivated) vaccine, it should be given, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks before you start ENSPRYNG.
  • Increased liver enzymes.
    Your healthcare provider should order blood tests to check your liver enzymes before and while you are taking ENSPRYNG. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you will need to have these blood tests. Make sure you get all of your follow-up blood tests as ordered by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to wait to start ENSPRYNG if your liver enzymes are increased.
  • Low neutrophil count.
    ENSPRYNG can cause a decrease in your neutrophil counts in your blood. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off bacterial infections. Your healthcare provider should order blood tests to check your neutrophil count while you are taking ENSPRYNG.
  • Serious allergic reactions.
    Serious allergic reactions that may be life-threatening have happened with other medicines like ENSPRYNG. Tell your healthcare provider before taking your next dose if you had hives, rash, or flushing after your injection. Seek medical attention right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
    • shortness of breath or trouble breathing
    • dizziness or feeling faint
    • swelling of your lips, face, or tongue
    • moderate or severe stomach (abdominal) pain or vomiting
    • chest pain    

Before you take ENSPRYNG, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or think you have an infection. See "What is the most important information I should know about ENSPRYNG?"
  • have liver problems.
  • have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
  • have had or have been in contact with someone with tuberculosis.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccination.
  • are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ENSPRYNG will harm your unborn baby.
    • Pregnancy Registry: There is a registry for pregnant women who take ENSPRYNG. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking ENSPRYNG, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry, or you may contact the registry at 1-833-277-9338 to enroll.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ENSPRYNG passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take ENSPRYNG.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the most common side effects of ENSPRYNG?
The most common side effects of ENSPRYNG include:

  • sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis)
  • rash
  • fatigue
  • extremity pain
  • headache
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • nausea
  • inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
  • joint pain (arthralgia)

These are not all the possible side effects of ENSPRYNG.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

For more information, call 1-844-NSPRYNG.

For additional safety information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.