Eculizumab
Generic name: eculizumab [ E-kue-LIZ-oo-mab ]
Brand name: Soliris
Dosage form: intravenous solution (10 mg/mL)
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants
What is eculizumab?
Eculizumab is used in adults to treat myasthenia gravis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Eculizumab is also used to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Eculizumab is used in adults and children weighing at least 11 pounds (5 kilograms) to treat a blood disease called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Eculizumab is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of eculizumab.
Eculizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have a headache and fever with nausea or vomiting, skin rash, body aches, flu symptoms, confusion, sensitivity to light, or stiffness in your neck or back.
Read the Patient Safety Card about meningococcal infection and learn what symptoms to watch for. Keep the card with you at all times while using eculizumab and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
You must be vaccinated against meningococcal infection at least 2 weeks before treatment with eculizumab.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use eculizumab if:
you have a meningococcal infection; or
you have not been vaccinated against meningitis.
Tell your doctor if you have a fever or any type of infection.
Your doctor may recommend certain vaccines. You must be vaccinated against meningococcal infection at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with eculizumab. If you were vaccinated in the past, you may need a booster dose.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using eculizumab if you are pregnant. It is very important to control your blood disorder during pregnancy to avoid unwanted effects in you or the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How is eculizumab given?
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure eculizumab is the right treatment for you.
Eculizumab is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. The infusion can take at least 35 minutes to complete in adults, or up to 4 hours in children.
Eculizumab is ...
