What is eculizumab infusion?

SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) is an infusion prescription medication used to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive. Adults may also have paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and myasthenia gravis.

Is eculizumab a chemo drug?

Eculizumab is the generic name for the trade chemotherapy drug Soliris. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Soliris when referring to the generic drug name eculizumab.

Is eculizumab an immunosuppressant?

SOLIRIS® (Eculizumab) Immunosuppressant.

What is eculizumab used to treat?

Eculizumab injection is used to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH: a type of anemia in which too many red blood cells are broken down in the body, so there are not enough healthy cells to bring oxygen to all parts of the body).

How long does Soliris infusion take?

SOLIRIS is given through a vein (I.V. or intravenous infusion) usually over 35 minutes in adults and 1 to 4 hours in pediatric patients. If you have an allergic reaction during your SOLIRIS infusion, your doctor may decide to give SOLIRIS more slowly or stop your infusion.

How long does it take for eculizumab to work?

How long will it take to see improvement after starting on Soliris? Some patients who responded to Soliris experienced improved gMG symptoms, usually by 12 weeks of starting treatment.

Why is Soliris so expensive?

Because Soliris comes with a high risk of infection, the drug is part of a risk evaluation mitigation strategy (REMS) program. Medications with serious safety concerns require a REMS program, and healthcare providers who prescribe these drugs often need to undergo specific training to administer them.

How long does Soliris stay in your system?

Interrupting your treatment could cause sudden and serious effects on your red blood cells. Eculizumab can effect your body for up to 3 months. You may need medical tests for 8 to 12 weeks if you stop using this medicine.

How often is Soliris infusion?

If you are an adult, you will usually receive a SOLIRIS infusion by your doctor: o weekly for five weeks, then o every 2 weeks • If you are less than 18 years of age, your doctor will decide how often you will receive SOLIRIS depending on your age and body weight • After each infusion, you should be monitored for one …

Is aHUS an autoimmune disease?

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) can co-exist with autoimmune disorders, complicating the diagnosis of the rare blood-clotting disease, a case report shows. The findings highlight the need for genetic testing to diagnose aHUS in complex cases, the researchers said.

What is the most expensive illness to treat?

Heart Disease: The #1 Killer

• As reported by the American Heart Association (AHA), costs of cardiovascular disease total more than $318 billion.
• Cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart disease ($89 billion), high blood pressure ($68 billion), and stroke ($37 billion) as the 3 top cost generators, according to AHA.

How to transfer eculizumab to an infusion bag?

Withdraw the required drug amount and transfer dose to an infusion bag Dilute eculizumab to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL by adding equal volume of diluent to drug volume (see IV Compatibility); see prescribing information for further information

What should be the final concentration of eculizumab?

Dilute eculizumab to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL by adding equal volume of diluent to drug volume (see IV Compatibility); see prescribing information for further information Gently invert the infusion bag containing the diluted solution to ensure thorough mixing of the product and diluent

Are there any side effects to taking eculizumab?

Risk of other infections, including encapsulated bacteria (eg, Streptococcus pneumoniae, H influenzae) is increased with eculizumab; caution with any systemic infection Infusion-related reactions may occur; continue monitoring for 1 hr after completion of infusion

How often should I take Eculizumab for aHUS?

900 mg IV infusion every 7 days for the first 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of 1,200 mg IV infusion 7 days after the fourth dose, and then 1,200 mg IV infusion every 14 days. Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of eculizumab for aHUS included a total of 25 pediatric patients (ages 2 months to 17 years).