National Vaccine Information Center

Prescription Drugs Can Increase Risk

Published: February 4, 2024

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Individuals who take eculizumab (Soliris®), a medication often prescribed for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) or atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, are also at a higher risk for the disease. 

Having a low level of serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) has also been associated with a higher risk of meningococcal disease.  Due to genetic and biological factors, a small minority of the population are unable to develop protective antibodies against meningococcal bacteria and have up to a 7,000 times greater risk of developing invasive meningococcal disease in their lifetime.   

Learn about meningococcal disease complications.

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