About eculizumab
Complement C5 inhibitor monoclonal antibody
Used for
- Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)
- Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS)
- Generalised myasthenia gravis in eligible patients
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in eligible patients
Usual adult dose
Usually 600–900 mg intravenously weekly for four weeks, then 900–1,200 mg every two weeks, depending on condition.
Usual dose in children
Weight-based intravenous dosing; schedules vary by age, weight, and condition.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infections
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
Important warnings
- Increases risk of serious meningococcal infection; vaccination is required before treatment when possible.
- Urgent assessment is needed for fever, severe headache, rash, confusion, or stiff neck.
- Vaccines may not fully prevent infection; preventive antibiotics may be needed.
- Treatment requires specialist supervision and infection-risk monitoring.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; untreated disease also poses risks. Discuss pregnancy planning with a specialist.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; specialist assessment should weigh treatment benefits and potential infant risks.
Interactions
- Other complement-inhibiting medicines may increase infection risks or require treatment adjustments.
- Vaccines and preventive antibiotics may be required around treatment initiation.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.