Eculizumab Injection
What is this medication?
ECULIZUMAB (ek yoo LYE zyoo mab) treats certain blood conditions that can cause low levels of red blood cells (anemia) and blood clots, such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which reduces the breakdown of red blood cells. It also prevents blood cells (platelets) from forming a clot. It may also be used to treat a condition that causes muscles to easily weaken or fatigue (myasthenia gravis).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soliris
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Infection
- An unusual or allergic reaction to eculizumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions have not been studied.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team about your vaccination history. To lower your risk of infection, you may need certain vaccines before you start this medication.
Carry the Patient Wallet Card with you at all times. Show it to all members of your care team. It describes the signs and symptoms of severe side effects you may have while taking this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Eculizumab
Self-Care Tips:
- While taking eculizumab drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- To help treat/prevent mouth sores while taking eculizumab, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals while taking eculizumab.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely while you are taking eculizumab. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition while being treated with eculizumab.
If you experience symptoms or side effects while being treated with eculizumab, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4° F (38° C), chills (possible signs of infection)
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, closing up of the throat, swelling of facial features, hives (possible allergic reaction).
- Change in thinking clearly and with logic.
- Dark urine (tea or coca-cola colored urine).
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your doctor or health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Signs of infection such as redness or swelling, pain on swallowing, mouth sores, sore throat, coughing up mucous, or burning with urination.
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools or urine
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Swelling of the feet or ankles. Sudden weight gain
- Very bad headache
- Neck stiffness.
Always inform your doctor or health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
