Eculizumab IV
Generic Name: ECULIZUMAB - INJECTIONPronounced: (e-kue-LIZ-oo-mab)
Eculizumab IV Warning
Eculizumab can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. It can increase your chance of getting a very serious (possibly fatal) brain/spinal cord infection (meningitis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any signs of a severe infection (including meningitis), such as high fever, chills, severe headache, persistent nausea/vomiting, stiff neck, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), eye sensitivity to light, fast heartbeat, change in the amount of urine.
You should receive the vaccine for meningitis (meningococcal vaccine) at least 2 weeks before receiving this medication. If you have been previously vaccinated for meningitis, ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated again before receiving this medication. The vaccine will protect most people, but meningitis may occur even in people who have been vaccinated. Therefore, you should still watch for signs of meningitis even if you receive the vaccine. Consult your doctor for more details.
Eculizumab IV Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Headache, tiredness, nausea, or muscle pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching
- swelling
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Eculizumab IV Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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