SOLIRIS (eculizumab): The first treatment specifically approved for PNH

PNH Morbidity and Mortality

Learn how SOLIRIS (eculizumab) treatment helps to benefit PNH patients.

Chronic hemolysis is central to the morbidities and mortality of PNH

Hemolysis is chronic in PNH, and is central to its characteristic signs and symptoms, illustrated in the diagram below.

Hemolysis and PNH Morbidity and Mortality
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Thrombosis

  • Is the leading cause of death in PNH, occurring in approximately 40% of patients
    • An estimated 50% of all PNH deaths may be attributed to thrombosis
    • Thrombosis has been reported to increase the risk of death 10-fold in patients with PNH

Anemia

  • Presents in a majority of PNH patients and is caused by chronic hemolysis and/or bone marrow failure
  • Patients may become transfusion-dependent to maintain adequate levels of hemoglobin

Smooth muscle dystonias

  • Include dysphagia, abdominal pain, erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary and systemic hypertension
  • Are hypothesized to be related to nitric oxide depletion during chronic hemolysis

Impaired quality of life

  • Quality of life is frequently impaired in patients with PNH, given the range of signs, symptoms and co-morbidities that often exist in these patients
  • Symptoms can include disabling fatigue, difficulty performing daily activities, pain and dyspnea

Next: What Are the Symptoms of PNH?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION

SOLIRIS® increases the risk of meningococcal infections.

Patients should be vaccinated 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.

Patients should be monitored closely for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluated immediately if infection is suspected, and treated with antibiotics if necessary.

The effect of withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy during SOLIRIS treatment has not been established. Therefore, treatment with SOLIRIS should not alter anticoagulant management.

SEE FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION FOR COMPLETE BOXED WARNING INCLUDING WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, AND ADVERSE REACTIONS.

The most frequent adverse events observed in clinical studies were headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, nausea, fatigue, and cough.

Please see important safety information (including boxed warning) as well as the complete prescribing information.