Is What You’re Feeling PNH?

Being aware of your symptoms, as well as your lab values, can provide a more complete picture of your PNH. There are many lab values that can be helpful in measuring your PNH.

One of the most important lab values is called LDH. By measuring your LDH, your physician can determine the degree of hemolysis in your body.1,2 Knowing your beginning LDH and monitoring it over time will help you and your doctor keep better track of the progression of your PNH. It can also be used to help assess the risk for developing serious complications associated with PNH.

Some other tests that your healthcare team may use to evaluate your condition include: hemoglobin (Hgb), platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), and hematocrit (HCT) — which are all part of a complete blood count (CBC) — as well as creatinine (CRT) and others. Talk to your doctor to learn more. He or she can tell you about specific tests and why they are being ordered.





IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS

Soliris increases the risk of meningococcal infections. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early

  • Vaccinate patients with a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of Soliris; revaccinate according to current medical guidelines for vaccine use
  • Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections, evaluate immediately if infection is suspected, and treat with antibiotics if necessary

The effect of anticoagulant withdrawal during Soliris treatment has not been studied. Therefore, treatment with Soliris should not alter anticoagulant management.

Soliris is generally well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events observed in clinical studies were headache, a runny nose (nasopharyngitis), back pain, nausea, and tiredness (fatigue).

Please see full prescribing information for SOLIRIS, including boxed WARNING regarding serious meningitis.


References: 1. Hillmen P, Young NS, Schubert J, et al. The complement inhibitor eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:1233-1243. 2. Soliris® [package insert]. Cheshire, CT: Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2008.