Authors

  1. Aschenbrenner, Diane S. MS, RN

Abstract

* Eculizumab (Soliris) is now approved to treat the rare blood disorder atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults and children.

 

* Common adverse effects include hypertension, diarrhea, headache, anemia, vomiting, nausea, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, and leukopenia.

 

* Eculizumab's label carries a warning that the drug increases the risk of life-threatening meningococcal infection. Nurses should confirm that vaccination against meningococcal infection occurred at least two weeks before patients start therapy with eculizumab.