Eculizumab
PrintQuick take
Eculizumab can be used in pregnancy.
What is it?
Eculizumab (Bekemv®, Epysqli®, Soliris®) is an antibody therapy used to treat myasthenia gravis, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), and atypical haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (aHUS).
Benefits
What are the benefits of using eculizumab in pregnancy?
Eculizumab works by stopping your immune system from attacking your body’s tissues. Studies have shown that continuing eculizumab during pregnancy keeps you well, reducing the chance of pregnancy complications.
Risks
What are the risks of using eculizumab in pregnancy?
Eculizumab does not cross the placenta in the first trimester so will not directly affect your baby’s development.
There is little information on eculizumab use in pregnancy. Preterm birth and lower birth weights have been reported in babies exposed to eculizumab. However, the medical conditions that eculizumab is used to treat have been linked to these outcomes and can be much more serious if left untreated.
Antibody treatments in later pregnancy can affect a baby’s immune system after birth. Babies may be at higher risk of infection for the first two weeks. You will be advised about symptoms to be alert for in your baby, and what to do if they seem unwell. Babies exposed to eculizumab can receive all their normal infant vaccinations.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using eculizumab in pregnancy?
Possibly. Other medicines can sometimes be used, although these may not work as well as eculizumab. If eculizumab is working for you, staying on it during pregnancy is likely to be your best option.
If you are planning a pregnancy, speak to your specialist about eculizumab treatment. This can be arranged through contacting your doctor, or their secretary/specialist nurse.
If you become pregnant whilst receiving eculizumab treatment, you should be reviewed by your doctor as soon as possible.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take eculizumab during pregnancy?
It is important that autoimmune disease is well-treated during pregnancy to avoid a flare-up and to reduce the chance of pregnancy complications. In many cases, ongoing eculizumab treatment is essential. Your doctor will be happy to discuss any concerns.
Will I or my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care in the UK, women are invited for a detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. No further scans to check for birth defects will be required, although extra growth scans are likely to be offered.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has used eculizumab?
There is currently no evidence that eculizumab used by the father can harm the baby through effects on the sperm.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.