Eculizumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Price

Eculizumab is an FDA-approved medicine used to treat rare and serious health conditions. It works by inhibiting a part of the immune system known as the complement system, which, when overactive, can cause severe damage to the body. Eculizumab is commercially supplied under the brand Soliris.

As of now, Eculizumab or Soliris in India is not an authorized medicine that is actively being sold in India. However, Indian patients can buy Soliris online in India through certain import channels. The commercial packaging of this medicinal product comes in a vial form of 300 mg. Patients in India, needing treatment with Eculizumab 300 mg/30 mL can legally procure it through provisions like Named Patient Import for individual use.

Uses of Eculizumab 300 mg/30 mL:

Eculizumab is recommended for treating specific conditions that involve an overactive immune response. It is prescribed to treat:

• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A rare condition characterized as a medical condition that results in the destruction of red blood cells leading to anemia, blood clots, and chronic damage to organs.
• Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS): This disease causes the excessive formation of abnormal blood clots in small blood vessels leading to renal failure among others.
• Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG): An autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness, which makes daily activities challenging.
• Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): A condition that affects the spinal cord and optic nerves, causing vision loss and paralysis.

Treatment with this medicine improves the lives of patients suffering from these ailments by alleviating their symptoms and risks of related problems.

Dosage of Eculizumab 300 mg/30 mL:

Eculizumab is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The dosage depends on the condition being treated:

• For PNH and aHUS, the initial phase involves weekly infusions for the first five weeks, followed by maintenance infusions every two weeks.
• For gMG and NMOSD, the schedule may vary, and your doctor will determine the appropriate regimen.
  It is essential to follow the dosing schedule strictly to achieve the best outcomes. Each infusion is performed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Side Effects of Eculizumab 300 mg/30 mL:
While Eculizumab is highly effective, it may cause side effects. These can range from mild to severe and require medical attention.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Respiratory tract infections

Serious Side Effects:

• Meningococcal Infections: Eculizumab increases the risk of life-threatening infections, such as meningitis. Patients must receive a meningococcal vaccine at least two weeks before starting treatment.
• Infusion Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions during the infusion. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, rash, or low blood pressure should be addressed immediately.
• Blood Disorders: Rarely, Eculizumab may cause changes in blood cell counts, requiring regular blood tests to monitor health.
• Kidney and Neurological Issues: In some cases, patients may experience worsening kidney function or neurological side effects. Report unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Precautions While Using Eculizumab 300 mg/30 mL:

• Vaccination: Before taking Eculizumab, ensure that all vaccinations including meningococcal infections are up to date.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is little research available regarding the effects of Eculizumab on unborn or nursing babies, therefore women are encouraged to speak to their doctors and determine the risks involved.
• Monitoring: To ensure proper progress and early detection of any negative effects, frequent examinations and blood tests are essential.