Soliris (eculizumab) is a prescription drug used to treat certain rare autoimmune conditions. It comes as a liquid solution for intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional. The dosage depends on the condition Soliris is being used to treat.
Soliris is used to treat several types of autoimmune conditions in adults. These include:
- paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)
- generalized myasthenia gravis in people with the anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody
- neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in people with the anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody
Note: Soliris is also used to treat aHUS in children ages 2 months and older. Soliris isn’t used to treat HUS triggered byE. coli infection.
The active ingredient in Soliris is eculizumab. Soliris belongs to a group of drugs called complement inhibitors. It’s a biologic medication made from living cells.
This article describes the dosages of Soliris, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about this drug, see this in-depth Soliris article.
What is Soliris’s dosage?
The table below highlights the basics of Soliris’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Dosage |
|---|---|
| PNH | • Weeks 1 to 4: 600 mg once per week • Week 5: 900 mg • Every 2 weeks after: 900 mg once every 2 weeks |
| aHUS | • Weeks 1 to 4: 900 mg once per week • Week 5: 1,200 mg • Every 2 weeks after: 1,200 mg once every 2 weeks |
| generalized MG | • Weeks 1 to 4: 900 mg once per week • Week 5: 1,200 mg • Every 2 weeks after: 1,200 mg once every 2 weeks |
| NMOSD | • Weeks 1 to 4: 900 mg once per week • Week 5: 1,200 mg • Every 2 weeks after: 1,200 mg once every 2 weeks |
For more details about the dosages of Soliris, see the information below.
What is Soliris’s form?
Soliris comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein over a period of time) by a healthcare professional.
What strength does Soliris come in?
Soliris comes in one strength of 300 mg per 30 milliliters (mL) — or 10 mg/mL — in single-dose vials.
What are the usual dosages of Soliris?
Your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage of Soliris based on the condition the drug is being used to treat.
The Soliris infusion protocol involves two different treatment phases. The first phase of treatment is the induction phase when you’ll receive Soliris each week. This is followed by the maintenance phase when you’ll typically receive Soliris every 2 weeks.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below. For example, if you’re also receiving plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, or fresh frozen plasma treatments, you’ll likely need additional doses of Soliris to maintain effective levels of the drug in your body.
Dosage for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
The typical starting Soliris dosage for adults with PNH is 600 mg every week for 4 weeks. This is the induction phase of treatment.
Then, you’ll receive one 900-mg dose on week 5 of treatment. After this, you’ll receive 900 mg every 2 weeks as the maintenance phase of your treatment.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage or dosing schedule.
Dosage for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)
For adults with aHUS, the typical dosage of Soliris is 900 mg per week for 4 weeks. This is the induction phase of treatment.
After this, you’ll receive 1,200 mg on week 5 of treatment. Then, your dose is 1,200 mg every 2 weeks as the maintenance phase of treatment.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor to learn more.
Dosage for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG)
The Soliris dosing for generalized MG is 900 mg each week for the first 4 weeks. This is the induction phase of treatment.
Then, you’ll receive 1,200 mg of Soliris at week 5 of treatment. After this, you’ll receive 1,200 mg every 2 weeks as the maintenance phase of treatment.
Dosage for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
For adults with NMOSD, the typical starting dosage of Soliris is 900 mg per week for 4 weeks. This is the induction phase of treatment.
Then, you’ll receive a dose of 1,200 mg on week 5 of treatment. After this, you’ll receive 1,200 mg of Soliris every 2 weeks as the maintenance phase of treatment.
What’s the dosage of Soliris for children?
Soliris is used to help treat aHUS in children ages 2 months and older.
The dosage in children is based on their body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, one kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Body weight in kg | Body weight in lb | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg to less than 10 kg | 11 lb to less than 22 lb | Weeks 1 and 2: 300 mg Maintenance: 300 mg every 3 weeks |
| 10 kg to less than 20 kg | 22 lb to less than 44 lb | Week 1: 600 mg Week 2: 300 mg Maintenance: 300 mg every 2 weeks |
| 20 kg to less than 30 kg | 44 lb to less than 66 lb | Weeks 1, 2, and 3: 600 mg once per week Maintenance: 600 mg every 2 weeks |
| 30 kg to less than 40 kg | 66 lb to less than 88 lb | Weeks 1 and 2: 600 mg once per week Week 3: 900 mg Maintenance: 900 mg every 2 weeks |
| 40 kg and more | 88 lb and more | Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4: 900 mg once per week Week 5: 1,200 mg Maintenance: 1,200 mg every 2 weeks |
For more information about Soliris’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor.
How Soliris is given
Soliris comes as a liquid solution given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional.
A typical Soliris infusion lasts around 35 minutes.
Soliris infusions given to children are typically given over 1 to 4 hours.
Infusions are typically given at a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. But in certain situations, you may be able to receive Soliris infusions at home.
The Soliris package insert contains detailed information from the manufacturer about the drug’s uses, dosage, and how it’s given.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how Soliris is administered.
Is Soliris used long term?
Yes, Soliris is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.