This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- autoimmune disorder
- blood cell disorder
- degenerative nerve disease
Brand Name(s): Soliris
Generic Name: Eculizumab
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
You must be monitored by a healthcare professional for at least 1 hour after each dose is given.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if throat swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling faint develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Meningitis vaccine should be given at least two weeks before starting this medicine. Talk with your doctor about this and other vaccines that may be needed.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Always carry the patient safety card with you during treatment with this medicine and for some time after your last dose.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- diarrhea
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bone pain
- confusion
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- severe or persistent headache
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- joint or muscle pain
- neck pain or stiffness
- rapid heartbeat
- sensitivity to light
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ECULIZUMAB - INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
