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, being mainly indicated to combat a rare disease called nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria.
What is it for
The drug Soliris is indicated for the treatment of a blood disease called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; a disease of the blood and kidneys called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, where there may be thrombocytopenia and anemia, in addition to blood clots, fatigue and malfunction of various organs, being also indicated for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia gravis.
Price
In Brazil, this drug is approved by Anvisa, and is made available by SUS through a lawsuit, not being sold in pharmacies.
How to use
This medicine must be applied as an injection in the hospital. Generally, treatment is done with a drip into a vein, for about 45 minutes, once a week, for 5 weeks, until an adjustment is made to the dose to be used every 15 days.
Main side effects
Eculizumab is generally well tolerated, the most common being the onset of headache. However, side effects such as thrombocytopenia, decreased red blood cells, pain in the belly, constipation, diarrhea, poor digestion, nausea, chest pain, chills, fever, swelling, tiredness, weakness, herpes, gastroenteritis, inflammation can also occur. bladder, arthritis, pneumonia, meningococcal meningitis, muscle pain, back pain, neck pain, dizziness, decreased taste, tingling in the body, spontaneous erection, cough, throat irritation, stuffy nose, itchy body, falling from hair, dry skin.
When not to be used
Soliris should not be used in people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula, and in case of infection with unresolved Neisseria meningitidis, people who have not had the meningitis vaccine.
This medication should only be used in pregnancy, under medical advice and if clearly necessary, because it passes through the placenta and can interfere with the baby's blood circulation. Its use is also not indicated during breastfeeding, so if a woman is breastfeeding, she should stop for 5 months after using this medication.
