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PNH Community Events

PNH Patient Support Group Meetings

Sponsored by the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) hosts regional meetings for PNH patients and their families. Patients come together in small groups to learn more about their disease from a medical PNH expert and provide support to one another. There is no cost to attend. Meals and hotel are included.

For more information and to RSVP, please call Susan Olivo at NORD, 203-744-0100, or visit
www.rarediseases.org/about/contact-us.

Washington DC

March 24, 2012

Baltimore, MD

March 24, 2012

Los Angeles, CA

April 21, 2012

Atlanta, GA

May 19, 2012

New York City, NY

July 21, 2012

Dallas, TX

September 22, 2012

Chicago, IL

October 27, 2012

Living with Aplastic Anemia, MDS or PNH Patient & Family Conferences

Sponsored by the AA&MDS International Foundation

In 2012, AA&MDS International Foundation will host six Patient & Family Conferences for people living with aplastic anemia, MDS, and PNH. For people with PNH, each daylong event will feature nationally recognized PNH experts talking about the most current thinking on PNH and its treatment. A special lunch program will focus on how to become a stronger advocate for your best healthcare. Living Well sessions on topics such as managing fatigue and effectively coping with serious illness are also included. This is a time to connect with other people living with PNH, exchange experiences, and share support with others like you. There is no cost to attend, and breakfast and lunch are included. Parallel events focusing on AA and MDS will take place at each conference.

To see conference agendas and register, go to www.AAMDS.org/conferences or call the toll-free registration line at 1-855-595-7155.

Washington DC

March 24, 2012

Baltimore, MD

March 24, 2012

Los Angeles, CA

April 21, 2012

Atlanta, GA

May 19, 2012

New York City, NY

July 21, 2012

Dallas, TX

September 22, 2012

Chicago, IL

October 27, 2012

Seventh Annual Walk for PNH

Sponsored by the PNH Research & Support Foundation
The Seventh Annual Walk for PNH is the largest fundraiser in the United States dedicated to PNH. Watch for more information about this popular community event on www.pnhfoundation.org.

Please check back soon for updates.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with Soliris. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early.

  • Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients with complement deficiencies
  • Immunize patients with a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of Soliris, unless the risks of delaying Soliris therapy outweigh the risks of developing a meningococcal infection. (See Serious Meningococcal Infections for additional guidance on the management of the risk of meningococcal infection.)
  • Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections, and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected

Soliris is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the Soliris REMS prescribers must enroll in the program. Enrollment in the Soliris REMS program and additional information are available by telephone: 1-888-SOLIRIS (1-888-765-4747).

Indications and Usage

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Soliris is indicated for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)
Soliris is indicated for the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy.

The effectiveness of Soliris in aHUS is based on the effects on thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and renal function. Prospective clinical trials in additional patients are ongoing to confirm the benefit of Soliris in patients with aHUS.

Limitation of Use
Soliris is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).

Contraindications
Soliris is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection
  • Patients who are not currently vaccinated against Neisseria meningitidis, unless the risks of delaying Soliris treatment outweigh the risks of developing a meningococcal infection

Warnings and Precautions

Other Infections
Soliris blocks terminal complement activation; therefore patients may have increased susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria. Children treated with Soliris may be at increased risk of developing serious infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). Administer vaccinations for the prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) infections according to ACIP guidelines. Use caution when administering Soliris to patients with any systemic infection.

Monitoring After Soliris Discontinuation
Treatment Discontinuation for PNH
Monitor patients after discontinuing Soliris for at least 8 weeks to detect hemolysis.

Treatment Discontinuation for aHUS
After discontinuing Soliris, monitor patients with aHUS for signs and symptoms of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) complications for at least 12 weeks. In aHUS clinical studies, 18 patients (5 in the prospective studies) discontinued Soliris treatment. TMA complications occurred following a missed dose in 5 patients, and Soliris was reinitiated in 4 of these 5 patients.

Clinical signs and symptoms of TMA include changes in mental status, seizures, angina, dyspnea, or thrombosis. In addition, the following changes in laboratory parameters may identify a TMA complication: occurrence of two, or repeated measurement of any one of the following: a decrease in platelet count by 25% or more compared to baseline or the peak platelet count during Soliris treatment; an increase in serum creatinine by 25% or more compared to baseline or nadir during Soliris treatment; or, an increase in serum LDH by 25% or more over baseline or nadir during Soliris treatment.

If TMA complications occur after Soliris discontinuation, consider reinstitution of Soliris treatment, plasma therapy [plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, or fresh frozen plasma infusion (PE/PI)], or appropriate organ-specific supportive measures.

Laboratory Monitoring
PNH
Serum LDH levels increase during hemolysis and may assist in monitoring Soliris effects, including the response to discontinuation of therapy. In clinical studies, six patients achieved a reduction in serum LDH levels only after a decrease in the Soliris dosing interval from 14 to 12 days. All other patients achieved a reduction in serum LDH levels with the 14 day dosing interval [see Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Studies].

aHUS
Early signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) include a decrease in platelet count, and increases in serum LDH and creatinine levels. Follow patients for signs of TMA by monitoring serial platelet counts, serum LDH, and creatinine during Soliris therapy and following discontinuation of Soliris.

Infusion Reactions
As with all protein products, administration of Soliris may result in infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, no patients experienced an infusion reaction which required discontinuation of Soliris. Interrupt Soliris infusion and institute appropriate supportive measures if signs of cardiovascular instability or respiratory compromise occur.

Adverse Reactions
The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the PNH randomized trial (≥10% overall and greater than placebo) are: headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, and nausea.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions in aHUS single arm prospective trials (≥15% combined per patient incidence) are: hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, headache, anemia, vomiting, nausea, urinary tract infection, and leukopenia.

Thrombosis Prevention and Management
The effect of withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy during Soliris treatment has not been established. Therefore, treatment with Soliris should not alter anticoagulant management.

Please see full prescribing information for Soliris® (eculizumab), including boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infection.