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 anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness.
- 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 white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. count or platelet platelet: The smallest type of blood cell. Platelets help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Also called a thrombocyte. 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.