Type of medicine: monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: eculizumab, injection; Soliris
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat:
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have not been vaccinated against meningitis infection, or if you currently have any kind of fever or infection.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that you are given when you start receiving this medicine and each time you get an infusion.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you should receive this medicine. You will be monitored closely during and after you receive this medicine for any reactions. Keep all your appointments.
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine affects your immune system and increases your chance of getting meningococcal infections. Your risk of meningococcal infection may continue for several weeks after your last dose of this medicine. If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need a booster dose before starting this medicine. If you have never had this vaccine, you must get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before your first dose of this medicine. The symptoms of a meningococcal infection are:
Call healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms.
You will be given with a Patient Safety Card with a list of symptoms to watch for. Carry the Patient Safety Card with you at all times during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of this medicine. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. Carry your Patient Safety Card with you at all times.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever or ANY other symptoms of infection. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
You need to have exams and blood tests regularly during treatment and for several weeks after you stop treatment with this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe headache with nausea, vomiting, fever, stiff neck, or stiff back; severe muscle aches; fever with rash; confusion; eyes sensitive to light; fever of 103° or higher; unusual tiredness or weakness; unexplained cough or sore throat; fast heartbeat; chest pain; seizures; unexplained swelling in hands or feet.
Other: Redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site; headache; tiredness; trouble sleeping; back pain; mild nausea; constipation; diarrhea; cough; sore throat; runny nose.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines.
Do not have any vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider’s approval. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
