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.
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 get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Headache, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of infection (such as cough/sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, painful/frequent urination)
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- fast heartbeat
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
If you have used a similar medication recently (C5
inhibitors such as crovalimab, ravulizumab), you may be at increased risk
for other immune system problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have
symptoms such as:
- joint/muscle/bone pain
- numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- unusual tiredness/weakness
- stomach/abdominal pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using eculizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent infection (especially of meningitis)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Eculizumab can make you more likely to get certain
infections (such as gonorrhea). Talk to your doctor for more
details.
Tell your doctor your vaccine history and ask if you
need to get any vaccines before starting treatment with this medication.
Tell your health care professional that you are using eculizumab before
having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have
recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the
nose).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as LDH levels, kidney
function, complete blood count, blood pressure) should be done while you
are using this medication and for 8 or 12 weeks after stopping treatment.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and
will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).