Drug
Eculizumab
Pronounced
"e-kue-LIZ-oo-mab"
Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain blood disorder (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria). This disorder can cause a decrease in red blood cells (anemia). This medication helps to block the decrease in red blood cells and can improve the symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath) and decrease the need for blood transfusions.
This medication may also be used to treat a certain immune system disorder (atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). It helps to prevent blood clots caused by this disorder.
Eculizumab is also used to treat a certain muscle condition (generalized Myasthenia Gravis). It may help to improve symptoms of this condition (such as difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing).
Eculizumab is also used to treat a certain nervous system disorder that affects the spinal cord and eye nerve (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder). It may help to reduce the number of hospital stays due to the disease.
This monograph is about the following eculizumab products: eculizumab, eculizumab-aagh, eculizumab-aeeb.
Warning
Eculizumab can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. It can increase your chance of getting a very serious (possibly fatal) brain/spinal cord infection (meningitis). Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of a severe infection (including meningitis), such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, high fever, chills, severe headache, stiff neck, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), eye sensitivity to light.
You should receive the vaccine for meningitis (meningococcal vaccine) at least 2 weeks before receiving this medication. If you have been previously vaccinated for meningitis, ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated again before receiving this medication. The vaccine will protect most people, but meningitis may occur even in people who have been vaccinated. You should still watch for signs of meningitis even if you receive the vaccine. Consult your doctor for more details.
To receive eculizumab in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using eculizumab and each time you get an infusion. Carry the Patient Safety Card with you at all times during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of eculizumab. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition. Children's dosage is also based on weight.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, dizziness, or feeling faint.
Do not stop receiving this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is stopped. If you do stop receiving the medication, you may need to be monitored by your doctor for at least 8 or 12 weeks to make sure that your condition does not worsen. Consult your doctor for more details and for symptoms to watch out for.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.