eculizumab

Brand name(s):

Soliris

What is the most important information I should know about eculizumab?

Eculizumab affects your immune system, and using this medication may increase your risk of serious infection such as meningitis. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of meningitis, such as severe headache with fever, confusion, skin rash, and nausea or vomiting, stiffness in your neck or back, sensitivity to bright light, or a very high fever (103 degrees or higher), chills, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms.

With your medication you will receive a Patient Safety Card listing the symptoms of meningitis. Carry this card with you at all times. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

You must be vaccinated against meningococcal infection at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with eculizumab. If you have been vaccinated in the past, you may need a booster dose. It is best to stay current on all of your vaccinations before you receive eculizumab, and your doctor may recommend other vaccines before or during treatment.

What is eculizumab?

Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to proteins in the blood that can destroy red blood cells in people with a genetic condition that affects the natural defenses of red blood cells.

Eculizumab is used to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinemia (PNH).

Eculizumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking eculizumab?

Eculizumab affects your immune system, and using this medication may increase your risk of serious infection such as meningitis. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of meningitis, such as severe headache with fever, confusion, skin rash, and nausea or vomiting, stiffness in your neck or back, sensitivity to bright light, or a high fever (103 degrees or higher), chills, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

With your medication you will receive a Patient Safety Card listing the symptoms of meningococcal infection. Carry this card with you at all times. Seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to eculizumab, or have bacterial meningitis. You must be vaccinated against meningococcal infection at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with eculizumab. If you have been vaccinated in the past, you may need a booster dose. It is best to stay current on all of your vaccinations while you are using eculizumab, and your doctor may recommend other vaccines before or during treatment.

Before using eculizumab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have a fever or any type of infection.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether eculizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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