Eculizumab injection

What is this medication?

ECULIZUMAB (ek yoo LYE zyoo mab) treats rare blood diseases called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. It works by stopping the breakdown of red blood cells and prevents blood cells from clumping together to form a clot. It also treats myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

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 are not expected.

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.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving 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.

You may need blood work while you are 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 face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Chest pain
• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

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.