Eculizumab

Generic Name: eculizumab

Complement Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Soliris

11 DESCRIPTION Eculizumab, a complement inhibitor, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG2/4 κ antibody produced by murine myeloma cell culture and purified by standard bioprocess technology. Eculizumab contains human constant regions from human IgG2 sequences and human IgG4 sequences and murine complementarity-determining regions grafted onto the human framework light- and heavy-chain variable regions.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Eculizumab, a complement inhibitor, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG2/4 κ antibody produced by murine myeloma cell culture and purified by standard bioprocess technology. Eculizumab contains human constant regions from human IgG2 sequences and human IgG4 sequences and murine complementarity-determining regions grafted onto the human framework light- and heavy-chain variable regions.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SOLIRIS is a complement inhibitor indicated for: the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. ( 1.1 ) the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. ( 1.2 ) Limitation of Use SOLIRIS is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult and pediatric patients six years of age and older who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. ( 1.3 ) the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous infusion only; recommended dosage for: PNH: ( 2.2 ) aHUS, gMG, and NMOSD in adults: ( 2.3 ) aHUS and gMG in pediatric patients: ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Vaccination and Prophylaxis for Meningococcal Infection Vaccinate patients against meningococcal infection (serogroups A, C, W, Y and B) according to current ACIP recommendations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of SOLIRIS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . If urgent SOLIRIS therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer these vaccines as soon as possible.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Meningococcal Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Other Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Monitoring Disease Manifestations after SOLIRIS Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Thrombosis Prevention and Management [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the PNH randomized trial (≥10% overall and greater than placebo) are: headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, and nausea.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Plasmapheresis, Plasma Exchange, Fresh Frozen Plasma Infusion or IVIg Concomitant use of SOLIRIS with plasma exchange (PE), plasmapheresis (PP) , fresh frozen plasma infusion (PE/PI), or in patients with gMG on concomitant IVIg treatment can reduce serum eculizumab concentrations and requires a supplemental dose of SOLIRIS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 7.2 Neonatal Fc Receptor Blockers Concomitant use of SOLIRIS with neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blockers may lower systemic exposures and reduce effectiveness of SOLIRIS. Closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of SOLIRIS.

Warnings

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS SOLIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Use caution when administering SOLIRIS to patients with any other systemic infection. ( 5.3 ) Infusion-Related Reactions: Monitor patients during infusion, interrupt for reactions, and institute appropriate supportive measures. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Serious Meningococcal Infections SOLIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient's susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by meningococcal bacteria (septicemia and/or meningitis) in any serogroup, including non-groupable strains. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SOLIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . SOLIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data on outcomes of pregnancies that have occurred following SOLIRIS use in pregnant women have not identified a concern for specific adverse developmental outcomes ( see Data ). There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ).

Storage

Store SOLIRIS vials refrigerated at 2°-8° C (36°-46° F) in the original carton to protect from light until time of use. SOLIRIS vials may be stored in the original carton at controlled room temperature (not more than 25° C/77° F) for only a single period up to 3 days. Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the carton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eculizumab used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SOLIRIS is a complement inhibitor indicated for: the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. ( 1.1 ) the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. ( 1.2 ) Limitation of Use SOLIRIS is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult and pediatric patients six years of age and older who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. ( 1.3 ) the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

What are the side effects of Eculizumab?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Meningococcal Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Other Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Monitoring Disease Manifestations after SOLIRIS Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Thrombosis Prevention and Management [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the PNH randomized trial (≥10% overall and greater than placebo) are: headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, and nausea.

Can I take Eculizumab during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data on outcomes of pregnancies that have occurred following SOLIRIS use in pregnant women have not identified a concern for specific adverse developmental outcomes ( see Data ). There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ).

What are the important warnings for Eculizumab?

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS SOLIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Use caution when administering SOLIRIS to patients with any other systemic infection. ( 5.3 ) Infusion-Related Reactions: Monitor patients during infusion, interrupt for reactions, and institute appropriate supportive measures. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Serious Meningococcal Infections SOLIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient's susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by meningococcal bacteria (septicemia and/or meningitis) in any serogroup, including non-groupable strains. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SOLIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . SOLIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.