Soliris vs. Ultomiris for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Anemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Soliris

(eculizumab)

Ultomiris

(ravulizumab)

Summary for Soliris

Prescription only

Soliris (eculizumab) is used to treat certain nerve problems, such as myasthenia gravis. It can also help with rare blood problems, like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This medication is a monoclonal antibody known as a complement inhibitor. It's given as an infusion through the vein by a healthcare professional. Side effects include headache, nausea, and high blood pressure. There's also a risk of serious meningococcal infection. So, it's only available through a special program called the Soliris Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Currenly, Soliris (eculizumab) is a brand-name medication only.

Indications for Soliris

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in adults and children
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in certain people who are 6 years and older
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)) in certain adults

Pros and Cons for Soliris

Pros

Given every week or every 2 weeks for most people
Can be given to some children with aHUS or gMG
Monitored by a healthcare professional for safety during and a little while after each infusion

Cons

Must be given as an infusion through the vein at a medical center
Need to get certain vaccines before starting treatment
Higher risk of serious infection

Common Side Effects for Soliris

PNH:

Headache (44%)
Cold-like symptoms (23%)
Back pain (19%)
Nausea (16%)
Tiredness (12%)
Cough (12%)

aHUS:

Headache (41%)
Diarrhea (37%)
Vomiting (30%)
High blood pressure (33%)
Cold-like symptoms (27%)
Anemia (26%)
Nausea (23%)
Swelling in the arms or legs (23%)
Cough (23%)
Urinary tract infection (22%)
Fever (21%)

gMG:

Headache (26%)
Cold-like symptoms (24%)
Diarrhea (15%)
Joint pain (12%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
Nausea (10%)

NMOSD:

Upper respiratory tract infection (29%)
Cold-like symptoms (21%)
Diarrhea (16%)
Dizziness (15%)
Back pain (15%)
Joint pain (11%)
Flu (11%)
Sore throat (10%)
Bruising (10%)

Warnings for Soliris

Risk of serious meningococcal infections
Risk of other serious infections
Worsening of PNH after stopping treatment
Worsening of aHUS after stopping treatment
Infusion reactions

Summary for Ultomiris

Prescription only

Ultomiris (ravulizumab or ravulizumab-cwvz) is a type of monoclonal antibody called a complement inhibitor. This medication is used to treat adults and children with certain autoimmune conditions that affect the blood or nerves. It's given as an infusion through the veins (IV) once every 1 or 2 months. For certain adults, the medication can also be injected under the skin (subcutaneous) once per week. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and headache. Ultomiris (ravulizumab) is available only through the FDA’s Ultomiris REMS program because of the risk for serious meningococcal infections.

Indications for Ultomiris

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults and children ages 1 month and older
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in adults and children ages 1 month and older
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults

Pros and Cons for Ultomiris

Pros

Can be given to adults and children 1 month of age and older (for PNH and aHUS)
IV infusions generally given every 1 or 2 months (except for first few doses)
Adults with certain autoimmune conditions have option of weekly, under-the-skin injections at home

Cons

Appointments for IV infusion can last a few hours
Raises the risk of serious infection
Might need to follow up with your healthcare team even after you stop treatment because of risk for complications

Common Side Effects for Ultomiris

PNH: Note: Side effects reported by adults with PNH getting IV infusions of Ultomiris (ravulizumab)

Upper respiratory tract infection (39%)
Headache (32%)

aHUS:

Headache (40%)
Diarrhea (31%)
Nausea (26%)
Vomiting (26%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (26%)
High blood pressure (24%)
Joint pain (22%)
Fever (19%)
Cough (17%)
Shortness of breath (17%)
Swelling in arms or legs (17%)
Urinary tract infection (17%)

gMG:

Diarrhea (15%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (14%)

NMOSD:

COVID-19 infection (24%)
Headache (24%)
Back pain (12%)
Joint pain (10%)
Urinary tract infection (10%)

Warnings for Ultomiris

Serious infections (especially meningococcal infections)
Problems that happen after you stop treatment - for people with PNH or aHUS only
Infusion-related reactions and allergic reactions
Allergy to acrylic adhesives - for Ultomiris (ravulizumab) on-body injector only

Prices with our coupons for Soliris vs. Ultomiris

Soliris4 vials / 30ml of 10mg/ml

Get free coupons

More Information

Ultomiris33 vials / of 1100mg/11ml

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Soliris vs. Ultomiris

Soliris

Ultomiris

Summary for Soliris

Indications for Soliris

Pros and Cons for Soliris

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Soliris

Warnings for Soliris

Summary for Ultomiris

Indications for Ultomiris

Pros and Cons for Ultomiris

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ultomiris

Warnings for Ultomiris

Prices with our coupons for Soliris vs. Ultomiris

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Soliris

Ultomiris

Summary for Soliris

Indications for Soliris

Pros and Cons for Soliris

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Soliris

Warnings for Soliris

Summary for Ultomiris

Indications for Ultomiris

Pros and Cons for Ultomiris

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ultomiris

Warnings for Ultomiris