ECULIZUMAB

Overview

ECULIZUMAB is a Schedule H drug.
Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody. Eculizumab binds to proteins in the blood that can destroy red blood cells in people with genetic conditions that affect the natural defenses of red blood cells. Eculizumab is used to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Eculizumab is also used to treat a rare chronic blood disease called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Eculizumab is also used to treat myasthenia gravis in adults.

Usage

ECULIZUMAB is generally used to treat: Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not Advised for age < 18yrs

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Not enough studies to prove Risk – Ask your Doctor

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: IV (Intravenous)

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in patients with history of infection, fever, any allergy, who are taking other medications, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid contact with people who have infections. Immunize patients with meningococcal vaccine two weeks prior to the treatment, as eculizumab increases the risk of life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections. Children should also be vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenza type b (Hib). Because of the risk of meningococcal infections, eculizumab is made available only to prescribers who enroll in Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The physician should educate the patient about the risk of meningococcal infection following use of the drug. The patient should be followed up and carry a card indicating his/her risk for meningococcal infection till about three months following the completion of treatment. Inform your doctor about the use of other medications before the administration of eculizumab to avoid serious side effects.

Symptoms of Overdosage

ECULIZUMAB over-dosage can result in: Difficulty Breathing

Common Side-Effects

ECULIZUMAB : Back Pain, Black (tar) Colored Stools, Eyes Blurred Vision, Chest Pain, Cough, Difficulty Urinating, Dizziness, Fever, Head Headache, Arms Joint Pain, Nausea, Rapid Heart Rate (pulse), Throat Soreness, Runny Nose, Chills, Loose Motion, Vomit

Disease Interactions

ECULIZUMAB can interfere with: Bacterial Infection, Fungal Infection, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, Diarrhoea, Enterocolitis, Gastroenteritis, Thromboembolism, Neutropenia

Technical Classification

ECULIZUMAB is categorized as: SELECTIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS / IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE AGENTS / IMMUNOLOGIC AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Refrigeration (Between 2 To 8 C)

Available Alternatives

What are the other drugs with similar Ingredients?

ECULIZUMAB

ECULIZUMAB