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.