Soliris Infusion Therapy

Soliris is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

• paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
• atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)
• generalized Mysathenia Gravis (gMG) in patients who are also anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody positive

What Is Soliris?  

Soliris (eculizumab) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. 

How Soliris Works  

Soliris works by blocking a protein called C5 that contributes to the breakdown in connections between nerves and muscles and impairs nerve-muscle communication. 

Soliris is a complement inhibitor used to reduce hemolysis in patients with PNH, inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with aHUS and reduce the activity of complement at the muscle surface in patients with anti-AchR+ generalized Myasthenia Gravis. 

 

What Is Soliris Used For?  

Doctors order eculizumab to treat several medical conditions. 

Soliris treats: 

• paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) 
• atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) 
• generalized Mysathenia Gravis (gMG) in patients who are also anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody positive

Soliris Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive eculizumab intravenously. Treatment time for a Soliris infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts 35 minutes for adults and 1-4 hours for children. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of eculizumab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment. 

Soliris infusions are received weekly for five weeks and then every two weeks thereafter. 

Administering Soliris via IV Infusion  

1.  The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals. 

Soliris Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

The most common side effect of Soliris is muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain. 

Additional side effects include: 

• Infection with meningococcal 
• Increased risk of contracting certain fungal infections 
• Infusion-related reactions  

How To Prepare for a Soliris Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they: 

• Have an infection or fever 
• Have taken any vaccines or are currently on any medications 

How to Get a Referral for Soliris IV Infusions  

Every Soliris referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment. 

• Patient information should include: 
• Name 
• Current address 
• Home and mobile phone number 
• Insurance information 

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for Soliris IV therapy: 

• Patient’s name and DOB 
• Order date 
• Diagnosis 
• Physician’s name and NPI# 
• Office address, phone, and fax numbers 
• Provider’s signature 

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Patient has been immunized with meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of Soliris 
• Clinicals to support one or more of the following: 
• Patient has Paraxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) 
• Patient has atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) 
• Patient has anti-AChR+ generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) 
• Patient has anti-AQP4 Antibody-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Soliris infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with eculizumab. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here. 

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Soliris treatments because:

• ALL private suites
• Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
• Evening & weekend appointments
• Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
• Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks