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Important Safety Information ULTOMIRIS REMS Prescribing Information Medication Guide
See SOLIRIS Full US Prescribing Information ▶
Furthering Alexion’s commitment to patients living with PNH

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening or fatal meningococcal infections.

Learn more at ULTOMIRISHCP.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INCLUDING BOXED WARNING

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS

ULTOMIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early.

  • Complete or update vaccination for meningococcal bacteria (for serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ULTOMIRIS, unless the risks of delaying ULTOMIRIS therapy outweigh the risk of developing a serious infection. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccinations against meningococcal bacteria in patients receiving a complement inhibitor. See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) for additional guidance on the management of the risk of serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria.
  • Patients receiving ULTOMIRIS are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.

Because of the risk of serious meningococcal infections, ULTOMIRIS is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called ULTOMIRIS REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

CONTRAINDICATIONS   

  • Initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Meningococcal Infections
ULTOMIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by meningococcal bacteria (septicemia and/or meningitis) in any serogroup, including non-groupable strains. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors.

Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of ULTOMIRIS therapy. Note that ACIP recommends an administration schedule in patients receiving complement inhibitors that differs from the administration schedule in the vaccine prescribing information. If urgent ULTOMIRIS therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to ACIP recommendations, provide antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer meningococcal vaccines as soon as possible. Various durations and regimens of antibacterial drug prophylaxis have been considered, but the optimal durations and drug regimens for prophylaxis and their efficacy have not been studied in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients receiving complement inhibitors, including ULTOMIRIS. The benefits and risks of treatment with ULTOMIRIS, as well as those associated with antibacterial drug prophylaxis in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients, must be considered against the known risks for serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of serious meningococcal infections, despite development of antibodies following vaccination.

Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection and evaluate patients immediately if infection is suspected. Inform patients of these signs and symptoms and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care if they occur. Promptly treat known infections. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider interruption of ULTOMIRIS in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious meningococcal infection depending on the risks of interrupting treatment in the disease being treated.

ULTOMIRIS REMS
Due to the risk of serious meningococcal infections, ULTOMIRIS is available only through a restricted program called ULTOMIRIS REMS.

Under the REMS, prescribers must enroll in the REMS, counsel patients about the risk of meningococcal infection, provide patients with the REMS educational materials, assess patient vaccination status for meningococcal vaccines (against serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) and vaccinate if needed according to current ACIP recommendations two weeks prior to the first dose of ULTOMIRIS. Antibacterial drug prophylaxis must be prescribed if treatment must be started urgently and the patient is not up to date with both meningococcal vaccines according to current ACIP recommendations at least two weeks prior to the first dose of ULTOMIRIS. Patients must receive counseling about the need to receive meningococcal vaccines and to take antibiotics as directed, signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection, and be instructed to carry the Patient Safety Card at all times during and for 8 months following ULTOMIRIS treatment.

Further information is available at www.ultomirisrems.com or 1-888-765-4747.

Other Infections
Serious infections with Neisseria species (other than Neisseria meningitidis), including disseminated gonococcal infections, have been reported.

ULTOMIRIS blocks terminal complement activation; therefore, patients may have increased susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria, such as infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis but also Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and to a lesser extent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Children treated with ULTOMIRIS may be at increased risk of developing serious infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Administer vaccinations for the prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections according to ACIP recommendations. Patients receiving ULTOMIRIS are at increased risk for infections due to these organisms, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination.

Monitoring Disease Manifestations after ULTOMIRIS Discontinuation
After discontinuing treatment with ULTOMIRIS, closely monitor for signs and symptoms of hemolysis, identified by elevated LDH along with sudden decrease in PNH clone size or hemoglobin, or re-appearance of symptoms such as fatigue, hemoglobinuria, abdominal pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea), major adverse vascular event (including thrombosis), dysphagia, or erectile dysfunction. Monitor any patient who discontinues ULTOMIRIS for at least 16 weeks to detect hemolysis and other reactions. If signs and symptoms of hemolysis occur after discontinuation, including elevated LDH, consider restarting treatment with ULTOMIRIS.

Thromboembolic Event Management
The effect of withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy during treatment with ULTOMIRIS has not been established. Treatment should not alter anticoagulant management.

Infusion-Related Reactions
Intravenous administration of ULTOMIRIS may result in systemic infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, infusion-related reactions occurred in approximately 1% of patients treated with ULTOMIRIS. These events included lower back pain, drop in blood pressure, limb discomfort, drug hypersensitivity (allergic reaction), dysgeusia (bad taste), and drowsiness. These reactions did not require discontinuation of ULTOMIRIS. If signs of cardiovascular instability or respiratory compromise occur, interrupt ULTOMIRIS infusion and institute appropriate supportive measures.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions reported in ≥10% or more of patients with PNH were upper respiratory tract infection and headache. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 15 (6.8%) patients receiving ULTOMIRIS. The serious adverse reactions in patients treated with ULTOMIRIS included hyperthermia and pyrexia. No serious adverse reaction was reported in more than 1 patient treated with ULTOMIRIS. One fatal case of sepsis was identified in a patient treated with ULTOMIRIS. In clinical studies, clinically relevant adverse reactions in 1% of adult patients include infusion-related reactions. Adverse reactions reported in ≥10% of pediatric patients treated with ULTOMIRIS who were treatment-naïve vs. Eculizumab-experienced was Anemia (20% vs. 25%), Abdominal pain (0% vs. 38%), Constipation (0% vs. 25%), Pyrexia (20% vs. 13%), Upper respiratory tract infection (20% vs. 75%), Pain in extremity (0% vs. 25%), Headache (20% vs. 25%).

Adverse reactions reported in ≥20% of pediatric patients treated with ULTOMIRIS were diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased vitamin D, headache, cough, rash, and hypertension.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Plasma Exchange, Plasmapheresis, and Intravenous Immunoglobulins
Concomitant use of ULTOMIRIS with plasma exchange (PE), plasmapheresis (PP), or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment can reduce serum ravulizumab concentrations and requires a supplemental dose of ULTOMIRIS.

Neonatal Fc Receptor Blockers
Concomitant use of ULTOMIRIS with neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blockers (e.g., efgartigimod) may lower systemic exposures and reduce effectiveness of ULTOMIRIS. Closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of ULTOMIRIS.

INDICATION
ULTOMIRIS is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-259-6783 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening or fatal meningococcal infections.

US/ULT-P/0085 V7 02/2024

Important Update: Information on COVID-19 from Alexion.

This information is for
Healthcare Professionals Only

COVID-19

Alexion is committed to doing our part to protect the safety of those around us by being smart in our actions and minimizing any potential interactions that could contribute to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and place additional burden on our healthcare systems.

Alexion’s approach to responding to COVID-19 reflects the following priorities:

  • Protecting patient and customer safety and medicine supply continuity

  • Ensuring safety and a sense of security for people who work at Alexion

  • Safeguarding our manufacturing, distribution, and research facilities

  • Maintaining the integrity of our clinical trials and commitment to data quality

  • Responsibly supporting our community and local healthcare systems

  • Remaining nimble and responsive to the ever-changing situation while always remaining true to our core values

Alexion understands our patients and healthcare providers may be concerned about the evolving COVID-19 situation and our products.

Alexion’s goal is to always manage a robust supply chain that delivers medicines that are secure, sterile and meet our rigorous quality standards. In addition, due to the seriousness of the diseases we treat, we strive to maintain sufficient inventory levels to ensure their supply to the patients who rely on them. We have taken proactive measures to mitigate the risk of potential interruptions in supply, and we are continuing to actively monitor this dynamic and rapidly evolving situation worldwide.

Based on Alexion’s understanding of the mechanism of action for Soliris (eculizumab), and the extensive postmarketing experience (cumulatively, over 10 years of commercial distribution, and over 50,000 patient-years of exposure), it does not appear that patients treated with Soliris are at higher risk of developing coronaviral infections or that the course of their infection will be different than in patients who have not received Soliris.1-3

Viral respiratory infections were observed during Alexion-sponsored clinical trials for Soliris. In the clinical trials, the viral respiratory infections were consistent with the types of infections common in the general population. The respiratory viral infections occurring in Soliris were not serious in nature, and all resolved without discontinuing Soliris treatment.1,4,5

Infection has been shown to amplify complement activity, which could have the potential to exacerbate a patient’s underlying condition in a complement-mediated disease.6-9 It is also important to note that Soliris and ULTOMIRIS patients are at increased risk for developing meningococcal infections, which have some of the same early symptoms as COVID-19.4-5 While meningococcal infection could present as classic meningitis with fever, headache and neck stiffness, please note the presentation can also present as meningococcal sepsis without meningitis.1

Patients should be reminded that if they develop a headache and fever or have muscle aches with flu-like symptoms (or any symptoms as described on the patient safety card), that they should call their doctor right away or seek emergency medical treatment, as these could be signs of a meningococcal infection that requires immediate medical attention. If patients cannot reach their doctor, immediately seek emergency medical treatment and show “Patient Safety Card” to emergency staff at the hospital.

Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis is required before starting Soliris therapy.4,5 Please refer to the latest ACIP guidelines for updated vaccine recommendations.

References:

  1. Data on File; Global Drug Safety. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, 2020.

  2. Soliris (eculizumab) Periodic Benefit Risk Evaluation Report; Global Drug Safety. Alexion Pharmaceuticals 2019.

  3. ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab) Periodic Benefit Risk Evaluation Report; Global Drug Safety. Alexion Pharmaceuticals 2020.

  4. SOLIRIS [prescribing information]. Boston, MA: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; June 2019.

  5. ULTOMIRIS [prescribing information]. Boston, MA: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; October 2019.

  6. Olie KH et al. Am J Kidney Dis. 2005;45(1):e12–e15.

  7. Berner R et al. Pediatric Nephrology. 2002;17(3):190–192.

  8. Brodsky RA et al. Haematologica. E-pub ahead of print, Jan 16, 2020.

  9. Ueda T et al. Journal of Nippon Medical School. 2013;80(2):155–159.

 

US/SOL-P/0035



IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION FOR SOLIRIS® (eculizumab), INCLUDING BOXED WARNING Show more +

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS

Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with Soliris and 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 meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of Soliris, unless the risks of delaying Soliris therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection. (See Serious Meningococcal Infections for additional guidance on the management of the risk of meningococcal infection)
  • Vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of meningococcal infections. 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) or at www.solirisrems.com.

Contraindications

  • 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

Serious Meningococcal Infections

Risk and Prevention

The use of Soliris increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious meningococcal infections (septicemia and/or meningitis).

Vaccinate or revaccinate for meningococcal disease according to the most current ACIP recommendations for patients with complement deficiencies. Immunize patients without a history of meningococcal vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of Soliris. If Soliris must be initiated immediately in an unvaccinated patient, administer meningococcal vaccine(s) as soon as possible and provide 2 weeks of antibacterial drug prophylaxis. Discontinue Soliris in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious meningococcal infections.

REMS
Prescribers must counsel patients about the risk of meningococcal infection, provide the patients with the REMS educational materials, and ensure patients are vaccinated with meningococcal vaccine(s).

Other Infections
Serious infections with Neisseria species (other than N. meningitidis), including disseminated gonococcal infections, have been reported.

Patients may have increased susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria. Additionally, Aspergillus infections have occurred in immunocompromised and neutropenic patients. Children treated with Soliris may be at increased risk of developing serious infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Administer vaccinations for the prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections according to ACIP guidelines. Use caution when administering Soliris to patients with any systemic infection.

Monitoring Disease Manifestations After Soliris Discontinuation

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

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.

Infusion Reactions
Administration of Soliris may result in infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reactions. 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.

INDICATION

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

Please see full Prescribing Information for Soliris, including boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infections.

1. Soliris® (eculizumab) [Prescribing Information]. Boston, MA: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2018.

2. Kelly R, et al. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009;5:911-921.