Eculizumab

Eculizumab is prescribed to patients who have a type of anemia called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. This type of anemia causes red blood cells to break down in the body so that cells don’t get enough oxygen. This medication is injected into the body in order to block the part of the immune system that is causing red blood cells to break down.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause patients to develop a serious and often fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord covering called a meningococcal infection. Patients should take a vaccine against this infection before starting Eculizumab treatment. They should contact their doctors immediately if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• A fever of more than 103 degrees Farhenheit
• Rash
• Confusion