Eculizumab (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 4, 2022.
Meningococcal infections, which may rapidly become life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early, have been reported in patients treated with eculizumab. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients with complement deficiencies. Immunize patients with a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of eculizumab, unless the risks of delaying eculizumab therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection. Vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of meningococcal infections. Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected. Eculizumab is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the eculizumab REMS prescribers must enroll in the program. Enrollment in the eculizumab REMS program and additional information are available by telephone: 1-888-SOLIRIS (1-888-765-4747) or at solirisrems.com .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Soliris
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Blood Modifier Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for eculizumab
Eculizumab injection is used to treat a type of blood disease called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Eculizumab helps reduce red blood cell destruction or breakdown (hemolysis) in patients with PNH.
Eculizumab is also used to treat a serious kidney disorder called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
Eculizumab injection is also used to treat a nerve and muscle disease called generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody positive.
Eculizumab injection is also used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare disorder that causes inflammation of the nerves of the eyes and spinal cord. It is used in patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.
Eculizumab injection is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system.
Eculizumab is available only under a restricted distribution program called Soliris® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program.
Before using eculizumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For eculizumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to eculizumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of eculizumab injection to treat atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in children. However, safety and efficacy of eculizumab injection to treat other conditions have not been established in children.
