Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody sold commercially under the name of Soliris. It improves the inflammatory response and decreases the body's own ability to attack its blood cells, and is primarily indicated to combat a rare disease called nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria.
What is it for
Soliris is indicated for the treatment of a blood disorder called nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria; of a blood and kidney disease called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, where thrombocytopenia and anemia may occur, in addition to the formation of blood clots, fatigue and malfunction of various organs, and is also indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis.
Price
In Brazil, this drug is approved by Anvisa, and is made available by the SUS through a lawsuit, not being marketed in pharmacies.
How to use
This medicine should be given as an injection in the hospital. Generally the treatment is done by administration drip into a vein for about 45 minutes once a week for 5 weeks until a dose adjustment is made to be used every 15 days.
Main side effects
Eculizumab is generally well tolerated, the most common being the appearance of a headache. However, side effects such as thrombocytopenia, decreased red blood cells, belly pain, constipation, diarrhea, poor digestion, nausea, chest pain, chills, fever, swelling, sore throat, weakness, herpes, gastroenteritis, inflammation of the bladder, arthritis, pneumonia, meningococcal meningitis, back pain, neck pain, dizziness, decreased taste, tingling in the body, spontaneous erection, cough, throat irritation, stuffy nose, itching in the body, hair, dry skin.
When not to be used
Soliris should not be used in people with allergies to any of the components of the formula, and in case of unresolved Neisseria meningitidis infection, people who have not taken the meningitis vaccine.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy, if it is medically indicated and clearly necessary because it passes through the placenta and may interfere with the baby's blood circulation. Its use is also not indicated during breastfeeding, so if the woman is breastfeeding, she should stop for 5 months after using this medicine.
