Dronedarone Hydrochloride and Soliris

• Generic Name: dronedarone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Multaq

Reduction of risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in patients in sinus rhythm who have a history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.

Do not use in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (i.e., patients in whom normal sinus rhythm will not or cannot be restored); increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in such patients. (See Warnings.)

Less effective than amiodarone in preventing recurrence of atrial fibrillation but appears to have an improved safety profile (based on short-term data). Long-term data and experience needed to elucidate relative safety and tolerability of dronedarone versus amiodarone because of some late-onset adverse effects of amiodarone (e.g., pulmonary toxicity).

Efficacy of retreatment with dronedarone in patients who relapse after initial successful treatment or in those who fail therapy with amiodarone not established.

Individualize treatment of atrial fibrillation/flutter based on relative benefits and risks of various therapies (e.g., rhythm versus rate control, nondrug therapies such as ablation and pacemaker implantation), patient age, and patient preference and tolerance of the arrhythmia.

• Generic Name: eculizumab
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution, concentrate
• Other Brand Names: Soliris

Soliris (eculizumab) is a monoclonal antibody. Eculizumab binds to proteins in the blood that can destroy red blood cells in people with genetic conditions that affect the natural defenses of red blood cells.

Soliris is used to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

Soliris is also used to treat a rare chronic blood disease called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in adults and children who weigh at least 11 pounds (5 kilograms).

Soliris is also used to treat myasthenia gravis in adults.

Soliris is also used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults.

Soliris is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of this medicine.