What is Eculizumab?
Eculizumab is prescribed for the adult population to cure myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Eculizumab can also be utilized to stop the degeneration of the red blood cell in adult patients who suffer from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Eculizumab is used by children and adults weighing at less than eleven pounds (5 kilograms) to treat a blood borne disease known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, atypical. Eculizumab is available only through the terms of a specific program. You must have a valid registration to the program and have a clear understanding of the potential risks and benefits of eculizumab. Eculizumab can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Eculizumab
See a doctor immediately. If you experience symptoms that indicate reactions to an allergen, such as hives, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and feeling as if you could be passing out—swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat— These symptoms could be experienced during your injection.
Get medical attention immediately if you experience signs of meningitis.
- Febrile and an headache or a skin eruption;
- Headache, nausea, and nausea
- Body aches, flu symptoms;
- Insensibility, confusion, or increased sensitivity to light
- Stiffness in your back or neck.
After or during the treatment with eculizumab, consult your physician immediately if you are suffering from:
- Fever;
- Discomfort or burning sensation after you urinate;
- Extremely dangerously high blood pressure—dizziness, weakness, the feeling of numbness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, cough, shortnesspainbreath, seizures;
- Kidney problems: swelling, urination, and feeling tired or exhausted;
- Indications of a blood-cell condition: pale skin, unusual fatigue, and feeling lightheaded. Cold feet and hands simple bruising, abnormal bleeding or chest pain, confusion or trouble breathing, seizure (convulsions)
- Indications of a blood clot: sudden weakness or numbness, issues in balance or speech, and rapid breathing. You may also cough up blood or feel swelling or pain in your legs or arms.
Common side effects of eculizumab can be:
- Headache, dizziness;
- Influenza symptoms (fever, fatigue symptoms, aches, cough, sore throat);
- Runny or stuffy nose; sinus pain
- Painful urination;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Swelling in your feet or legs;
- Bruising;
- Muscles as well as joint discomfort and back pain;
- A blood cell disorder;
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Talk to your doctor for medical advice regarding the consequences.. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is possible to contract infections more frequently, and even fatal or serious infections. Consult your physician immediately when you experience a headache and fever, nausea and vomiting, skin itching, body aches and flu-like symptoms and confusion, or the sensitivity to light and stiffness or pain in your back or neck. Take a look at the Patient Safety Card about meningococcal infection and find out what signs to look out for. Keep the card in your pocket throughout your treatment with eculizumab and for at least three months following the last dose. You must be vaccinated for meningococcal disease at least 2 weeks prior to starting the treatment using eculizumab.
Prior to use this drug
Do not take eculizumab if
- You have a meningococcal disease. You have a meningococcal infection.
- You haven't been vaccine-free for meningitis.
Inform your doctor if you are experiencing a fever or any kind of infection.
Your physician may suggest certain vaccines. You should be vaccinated against meningococcal infections at least two weeks prior to the time you begin treatments with eculizumab. If you've been vaccinated previously, then you could require an additional dose. Follow your doctor's advice on the use of eculizumab if you are pregnant. It is very crucial to manage your blood disorders while pregnant to avoid negative effects on you or the baby. Check with your doctor for advice on whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking this medication.
How to take Eculizumab?
Your doctor will run tests to determine if you are receiving the correct treatment.Eculizumab is instilled into a vein by a doctor. The infusion will take up to 35 minutes for adults and more than 4 hours for children.Eculizumab is not a daily treatment. each day. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosing with care. The timing of your dosing regimen might differ for a teenager or child as compared to an adult.Doses are determined by weight gain in teenagers and children. The weight of your child could be altered if they gain or shed pounds.It is recommended to be monitored for at least 1 hour following each infusion to ensure there isn't any reaction.It is possible to contract infections more often, or even fatal infections. You'll require frequent medical tests.You will receive a report with the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease. Learn from this article what signs to look out for. Keep your card handy whenever you use eculizumab, and at least three months following the last dose.Do not stop taking eculizumab until you have discussed it with your physician. Stopping your treatment can cause severe and sudden adverse effects on your blood cells.Eculizumab may affect your body for as long as 3 months. It's possible to require medical tests for between 8 and 12 weeks if you cease taking this medication. It is important that the medical professional who is treating you know that you've taken eculizumab.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for advice.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications may interact with Eculizumab's effects, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
