Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz) is one of those modern biologic medicines that sounds like a robot name, works like a very
targeted “inflammation dimmer switch,” and comes with a dosing schedule that’s surprisingly calendar-friendly.
If you’ve been prescribed Omvoh for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), you’ll hear a
lot of termsinduction, maintenance, IV infusion, subcutaneous injection.
This guide breaks down what those mean in plain American English, how Omvoh dosing is typically structured, what forms
and strengths exist, and how people commonly use it in real life (without turning your fridge into a pharmacy museum).
Important: This article is educational and not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the FDA-approved Medication Guide.
What is Omvoh, and why does dosing come in “phases”?
Omvoh is a prescription biologic that targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a signaling protein involved in gut inflammation.
In UC and CD, the goal is to calm immune-driven inflammation so the lining of the digestive tract can heal.
Like many biologics for inflammatory bowel disease, Omvoh is typically given in two phases:
- Induction phase: higher-intensity dosing up front (given by IV infusion) to get inflammation under control.
- Maintenance phase: regular ongoing doses (usually at home as under-the-skin injections) to help keep symptoms from roaring back.
Omvoh dosage at a glance (UC vs Crohn’s)
Your exact plan may differ based on your medical history, response, and your clinician’s judgment, but the standard
adult schedules follow a clear pattern:
| Condition | Induction (IV infusion) | Maintenance (subcutaneous injection) | How often? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulcerative colitis (UC) | 300 mg IV at Week 0, Week 4, Week 8 | 200 mg under the skin starting Week 12 | Every 4 weeks |
| Crohn’s disease (CD) | 900 mg IV at Week 0, Week 4, Week 8 | 300 mg under the skin starting Week 12 | Every 4 weeks |
Translation: you begin with clinic-based infusions at predictable “Week 0 / 4 / 8” milestones, then move to
injections at Week 12 and every 4 weeks after that. Your calendar app will get very good at this relationship.
Forms and strengths of Omvoh
Omvoh is available for intravenous (IV) infusion and for subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection.
Which one you use depends on the phase of treatment.
1) IV infusion (given by a healthcare professional)
- Single-dose vial: 300 mg/15 mL (20 mg/mL) solution
For UC induction, that’s typically one vial per infusion. For Crohn’s induction, the 900 mg dose is typically
prepared using three vials (your infusion team handles the math and mixingbless them).
2) Subcutaneous injection (prefilled pen or prefilled syringe)
- 100 mg/mL single-dose prefilled pen
- 100 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe
- 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) single-dose prefilled pen
- 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) single-dose prefilled syringe
For maintenance dosing, some people use one injection per dose (when a single 200 mg injection is used for UC),
while others need two injections to equal the full dose (for example, two 100 mg injections for a 200 mg UC dose,
or a 100 mg + 200 mg combination for a 300 mg Crohn’s dose). Your pharmacy packaging and your clinician’s directions
are the boss here.
Recommended Omvoh dosage for ulcerative colitis (adults)
Induction dosing for UC
Induction is given as an IV infusion of 300 mg at:
Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8.
The infusion is typically administered over at least 30 minutes.
Maintenance dosing for UC
Maintenance starts at Week 12 and continues every 4 weeks:
- 200 mg subcutaneously as either:
- one injection of 200 mg, or
- two consecutive injections of 100 mg (back-to-back, usually in different sites)
Practical example: If your injection day is “the first Saturday of every month,” you’ll likely keep that rhythm.
Some people choose the weekend so they can do the “ice pack + snack + Netflix” routine with minimal weekday drama.
Recommended Omvoh dosage for Crohn’s disease (adults)
Induction dosing for Crohn’s
Induction is given as an IV infusion of 900 mg at:
Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8.
This infusion is typically administered over at least 90 minutes.
Maintenance dosing for Crohn’s
Maintenance starts at Week 12 and continues every 4 weeks:
- 300 mg subcutaneously, typically given as two consecutive injections:
- one 100 mg injection and
- one 200 mg injection (in any order)
Practical example: A Crohn’s maintenance dose may mean “two clicks, two bandages.” Many people prefer injecting into
opposite sides of the abdomen or alternating thighs to avoid repeatedly poking the same area.
How to use Omvoh: infusion vs at-home injections
Omvoh IV infusions: what to expect
IV induction doses are prepared and administered by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique. The medication
is diluted into an infusion bag (commonly with normal saline or 5% dextrose, depending on clinic protocol), then infused
over the minimum time window for your indication (UC vs Crohn’s).
- UC: infusion over at least 30 minutes
- Crohn’s: infusion over at least 90 minutes
Tip: Ask your infusion center what you can bring (snacks, headphones, cozy sweater). Infusion rooms are famous for being
both too cold and too warmsometimes simultaneously.
Omvoh subcutaneous injections: step-by-step basics
After training, many patients (or caregivers) can inject Omvoh at home. Whether you use a prefilled pen or syringe,
these basics are commonly emphasized:
1) Let it warm upno shortcuts
Remove the pen/syringe from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature (often around 45 minutes for some packages).
Don’t use a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight to speed this up. “Warm it gently” is the goal, not “cook it.”
2) Inspect before you inject
Don’t use it if the medicine looks cloudy, discolored, or has visible particles, or if the device looks damaged.
3) Pick an injection site and rotate it
Common injection sites include the abdomen (avoiding the area right around the belly button) and the front of the thighs.
Rotate sites to reduce irritation. Avoid injecting into tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or inflamed skin.
4) Clean, inject, and dispose safely
Clean the area with an alcohol wipe, let it dry, inject as trained, and then dispose of the device in a proper sharps container.
Do not toss used needles into household trash or recycling.
Storage and handling: keeping Omvoh effective (and your fridge organized)
Proper storage matters with biologics. Typical label guidance includes:
- Refrigerate: store in the original carton in the refrigerator (commonly 36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C) until use.
- Protect from light: keep in the original carton until time of use.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not shake.
- Room temperature allowance: if needed, some prefilled pens/syringes may be stored at room temperature (not above 86°F / 30°C) for up to 2 weeks. Once stored at room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator.
Real-world tip: Put a small sticky note on the carton if you ever store it at room temperature so you can track the “2-week clock”
without playing fridge detective later.
Before starting Omvoh: evaluations that affect safe use
Omvoh dosing isn’t only about milligramsit’s also about reducing risks. Before starting, clinicians commonly:
- Screen for tuberculosis (TB) (because biologics can increase infection risk)
- Check liver enzymes and bilirubin (to establish a baseline and monitor for liver-related side effects)
- Review vaccines and typically avoid live vaccines during treatment
Do dose adjustments depend on body weight, age, or kidney function?
In clinical pharmacology analyses, Omvoh exposure can be lower in people at higher body weights, but standard dosing is still
used because clinical response did not meaningfully differ by weight group in studies. Likewise, there were no clinically significant
differences in pharmacokinetics based on age across adult ranges, sex, race (in studied groups), or mild/moderate renal impairment.
What does this mean for you? Most adults follow the same induction/maintenance schedule for their condition (UC vs Crohn’s),
unless a clinician has a specific reason to individualize.
What if you miss a dose?
Missed-dose instructions can vary depending on whether you missed an infusion appointment or an at-home injection.
In general, don’t “double up” on biologics unless a clinician specifically tells you to.
- If you miss an infusion: contact your infusion center/prescriber to reschedule as soon as possible.
- If you miss an injection: contact your prescriber/pharmacist for guidance on when to take the dose and how to reset your every-4-weeks schedule.
Side effects and safety notes that matter when using Omvoh
Everyone’s experience is different, but common themes with IL-23 biologics include infection risk and injection-site issues.
Contact your clinician promptly if you develop signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath),
symptoms of liver problems (unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes), or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
(hives, swelling, trouble breathing).
And yes, mild injection-site redness can happen. Think “annoying mosquito bite energy,” not “I am turning into a tomato.”
If it’s severe, worsening, or you’re worriedcall your healthcare team.
FAQ: quick answers people actually ask
Is Omvoh a weekly shot?
No. After induction, maintenance dosing is typically every 4 weeks.
How many injections is one dose?
It depends on your condition and which device is used:
- UC maintenance (200 mg): either one 200 mg injection or two 100 mg injections.
- Crohn’s maintenance (300 mg): usually two injections (100 mg + 200 mg, in any order).
Can I inject Omvoh myself?
Many patients can after training. The first dose(s) may be supervised, and you should follow the device-specific Instructions for Use.
Does the pen hurt less than the syringe?
Some people prefer pens because the needle is less visible; others prefer syringes because they feel more control.
The “best” choice is the one you can use confidently and consistently.
Conclusion
Omvoh dosing is designed to be straightforward: IV induction at Weeks 0, 4, and 8, then predictable every-4-weeks
maintenance injections starting at Week 12. The key is knowing your specific plan (UC vs Crohn’s), using the correct form
and strength, and following storage and injection instructions so each dose delivers what it’s supposed to deliver.
If you’re ever unsureabout mixing up pen strengths, timing, missed doses, or side effectscall your prescriber or pharmacist.
“I’d rather ask a quick question than guess” is an excellent motto for biologics.
Real-world experiences with Omvoh dosing
The label tells you the “what” and the “when.” Real life adds the “how do I make this fit into my day without it becoming
my whole personality?” Below are common experiences people report or run into when living with an induction-to-maintenance
biologic schedule like Omvoh. (These are generalized, educational examplesnot personal medical advice.)
1) The infusion era: “Week 0 feels like a first date… with an IV pole”
Many people say the first infusion appointment comes with equal parts hope and logistical annoyance.
You’re scheduling around work, rides, parking, and the fact that infusion chairs somehow make time move both slowly and quickly.
A common tip from infusion veterans: bring water, something warm, and something distracting. Think audiobook, comfort show,
or a book you’ve “been meaning to read since 2019.” The infusion staff usually becomes your guideexplaining the timeline,
checking vitals, and confirming you’re feeling okay. For UC dosing, the infusion window tends to be shorter than Crohn’s induction,
which can be a relief if you’re not trying to set a personal record for “hours spent watching daytime TV in public.”
2) The switch to at-home injections: “Achievement unlocked: I can do hard things”
Starting maintenance at Week 12 is often when people feel the biggest lifestyle change. Instead of traveling to a clinic,
you’re managing your dose at home. That sounds greatuntil the first time you open the carton and realize you’re now the
captain of the schedule. People commonly create a “dose-day ritual” to reduce stress:
- Set a recurring reminder for every 4 weeks (and a second reminder 24 hours before, because life happens).
- Take the pen/syringe out of the fridge and let it warm up while you do something normalcoffee, a shower, a short walk.
- Lay out supplies (alcohol wipes, gauze/cotton ball, bandage, sharps container) so you’re not rummaging mid-injection.
A surprisingly common emotional moment? Realizing you can do it. Even people who dislike needles often say the first successful
at-home injection feels empoweringlike getting your independence back in a very literal, “I poked myself and survived” way.
3) Two-injection doses: “Why is my medicine doing a sequel?”
Depending on your prescribed maintenance plan, you might need one injection per dose or two injections back-to-back.
People who need two injections often learn to rotate sites thoughtfully: one side of the abdomen, then the other; or alternating thighs.
The most practical advice is boring but gold: don’t rush. Let the first injection finish completely, take a breath, and then do the second.
If you try to speed-run it, you’re more likely to tense up, which makes the whole thing feel worse than it needs to.
4) Travel and storage: “My carry-on is now a tiny cold chain”
Travel adds a new layer of planning. People commonly ask their pharmacy or clinician how to transport refrigerated medication safely.
Some use insulated travel packs with cold packs (not directly touching the device to avoid freezing). Others plan doses so they inject
before leaving or shortly after returning. If you ever store a device at room temperature (within allowed limits), many people label the
carton with the date/time it came out of the fridgebecause the worst game is “guess the day I put this in my backpack.”
5) The “is this working?” timeline mindset
With biologics, response can be gradual. Some people feel improvement during induction; others notice changes later in maintenance.
The most helpful experience-based strategy is tracking a few simple markersstool frequency, urgency, pain, fatigue, and any side effects
and bringing that info to follow-ups. It turns vague feelings (“I think it’s better?”) into useful data (“urgency decreased from daily to twice a week”).
And if something feels offfrequent infections, unusual fatigue, persistent injection reactionspeople consistently say the best move is calling the care team
early rather than waiting and worrying.
Bottom line: Omvoh dosing is structured, but your routine around it can be personalized. The more you make it “a thing you do” rather than
“a thing that runs your life,” the easier it is to stay consistentwithout turning every fourth week into a dramatic event.
