Eculizumab | Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation Return to top.

Eculizumab

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Eculizumab (Soliris ®) is given as an IV into a vein at the doctor’s office or at a special center. The procedure usually takes about 35 minutes. You will probably get an IV once a week for the first 4 weeks. Starting in the 5th week, you will get a slightly higher dose of Soliris every 2 weeks.

How well does it work?

Eculiziumab has many benefits. It has been found to:

  • Improve anemia
  • Reduce or get rid of the need for transfusions
  • Reduce the breaking apart of red blood cells (hemolysis) over both the short and the long term
  • Reduce the risk of blood clots

Soliris does not help increase white blood cell count or platelet cell count.

Common Side Effects

Some common side effects of eculizumab include:

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Back pain
  • Cold symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing or sore throat

If you take Soliris, you have a higher risk of being infected with the bacteria that can cause a type of meningitis. Patients should be immunized with a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of Soliris, unless the risks of delaying Soliris therapy outweigh the risks of developing a meningococcal infection.

Disclaimer

The data provided on eculizumab is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive or to substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or other qualified health provider about your condition and any drug or other treatment you are considering. Make sure you fully understand all side effects, risks and potential benefits associated with any drug or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided here. Although AAMDSIF strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it does not guarantee the accuracy or currency of this information.

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