Soliris is an FDA-approved medication used to treat certain blood and nerve disorders. Learn about its mechanism of action, side effects, and cost. Also, find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this medication.
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Most Important Information To Know About Soliris
Soliris may make you more likely to get a meningococcal infection during and after treatment. Meningococcal infections may turn fatal if you don’t get timely treatment.
Get emergency medical care if you have:
- Headache with nausea or vomiting
- Stiff neck or back
- Fever (103°F or higher)
- Rash and fever
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased sensitivity to light
You must receive a meningococcal vaccine at least 14 days before the first infusion. If you haven’t received a meningococcal vaccine and treatment must be started immediately, your provider will give you antibiotics and give you the vaccination as soon as possible.
You will get a Patient Safety Card. Carry the card with you at all times while receiving Soliris and for 3 months after the last infusion.
This medication is available under a restricted program called Ultomiris and Soliris Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). You and your prescriber must register for the program. Also, you should receive information about the risks and benefits of this medication as well as counseling regarding the signs and symptoms of a serious meningococcal infection.
What Is Soliris?
Soliris is a brand-name prescription medication. The active substance in this product is eculizumab, which is a member of a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-created molecules. They can suppress, mimic, or enhance your immune response.
What Is Soliris Used To Treat?
The US FDA has approved Soliris injection to:
- Reduce the breakdown of red blood cells in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). PNH is a rare condition in which a part of your immune system damages your red blood cells and platelets.
- Treat atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). In people with aHUS, small blood clots form in the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the vital organs.
- Treat myasthenia gravis in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody positive.
- Treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults. NMOSD occurs when your immune system attacks the nerves that connect the retina (a light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) with the brain and those in the spinal cord.
How Does Soliris Work?
For people with PNH, Soliris blocks the part of the immune system that damages blood cells, and in aHUS, Soliris blocks the part of the immune system that causes small blood clots to form.
The mechanism of action in myasthenia gravis and NMOSD is currently unknown.
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About Copay AssistanceHow Is Soliris Supplied and Used?
This medication is available as a solution in a single-dose vial. Each vial holds 30 ml liquid, which contains 300 mg of the active drug. This medicine is given by intravenous infusion.
Your provider will administer this medication into your vein using an intravenous (IV) line. The infusion typically lasts 35 minutes in adults and 1 to 4 hours in children.
In adults, an infusion is administered weekly for 5 weeks, then every 2 weeks. The frequency of infusion in people younger than 18 depends on their age and body weight.
After each infusion, your provider will monitor you for at least 1 hour. Your provider may lower the infusion rate or stop treatment if you have an infusion-related reaction during the infusion.
If you have PNH, your provider will monitor you for at least 8 weeks after stopping the infusion.
If you have aHUS, your provider will monitor you for at least 12 weeks after stopping the infusion.
What Should You Know Before Taking Soliris?
Before receiving your first infusion, inform your provider if you:
- Have an infection or fever.
- Are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. It is unknown if this medicine will harm a baby in the womb.
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if this medication passes into your breast milk.
Who Shouldn’t Get This Medication?
Anyone with a serious meningococcal infection when starting treatment shouldn’t get Soliris.
Soliris Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Serious infusion-related reactions may occur during an infusion. Tell your provider or nurse immediately if you have:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- A feeling like you might faint
Seek emergency medical attention if any of the symptoms of meningitis occur:
- Headache with nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Stiff neck or back
- Fever (103°F or higher)
- Rash and fever
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased sensitivity to light
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Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Pain or swelling of the nose or throat
- Back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Common cold symptoms
- Elevated blood pressure
- Anemia
- Cough
- Muscle and joint pain
- Dizziness
- Bruising
- Throat irritation
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, tiredness, cough, scratchy throat, and body aches
How Much Does Soliris Cost?
Cost can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Contact your insurance provider to determine if your plan covers this medication or if you need prior authorization.
For cash payers, the cost is about $6,878 for a supply of 30 ml.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals (which makes Soliris) may help eligible patients pay for infusion costs through its Alexion OneSourceTM CoPay Program. Contact us if you are interested in exploring financial assistance options for Soliris.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Soliris approved?
The US FDA first approved Soliris in 2007.
- What are alternatives to Soliris?
In May 2024, the US FDA approved Bkemv (eculizumab-aeeb) as the first interchangeable biosimilar to Soliris to treat PNH and aHUS.
- Soliris vs. Ultomiris: What are the differences?
The active drug in Soliris is eculizumab, while in Ultomiris, it is ravulizumab. Both are monoclonal antibodies. But Ultomiris has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in your system longer and requires less frequent dosing.
