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Eculizumab

Pronounced

"e-kue-LIZ-oo-mab"

Common brand names:

Soliris

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.

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. It is usually given every 7 days for 5 weeks, then every 14 days. 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 improve or worsens.