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Pegcetacoplan

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Pegcetacoplan is a complement inhibitor that targets complement protein C3 and its activation fragment C3b to regulate complement-mediated cell damage. It is primarily used to treat adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder characterized by the destruction of red blood cells due to uncontrolled complement activation.

Quick summary

Pegcetacoplan is an immunosuppressant that inhibits complement C3 to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) by preventing red blood cell destruction.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L04AJ03
RxNorm
2557372
Generic
Pegcetacoplan
Class
atc-l04
Brands
Empaveli, Syfovre
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose approximately 10 times the recommended therapeutic dose may cause serious toxicity; specific toxic dose not well established in humans
Chronic overdose: Cumulative dosing exceeding recommended regimen over extended period may lead to increased risk of severe infections and complement-related adverse effects
Immediate actions
Discontinue dosing, monitor vital signs, supportive care, treat infections if present, seek immediate medical attention
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care only; effectiveness varies based on symptoms and complications)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

6 groups
⚠

pregnancy

all trimesters
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring recommended

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue or avoid

Key Recommendations

not recommended during breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of infection

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased susceptibility to infections

Monitor

monitor renal function and for signs of infection

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not established for use in pediatric patients under 18 years of age

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no initial adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution, monitor renal function regularly

Monitor

monitor renal function tests periodically

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific guidance available

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to limited clinical data

Monitor

monitor liver function tests periodically

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2021

Empaveli approved for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Complement inhibitor (C3 inhibitor)

Pharmacological classification

usageFDA
2023

FDA-approved indications

Value:Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), Geographic atrophy (GA)

Therapeutic indications

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:C3 complement inhibition

Pharmacodynamics

Pegcetacoplan is indicated for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adult patients. It helps reduce hemolysis and the need for blood transfusions in patients with this rare, acquired blood disorder.

Pegcetacoplan is a pegylated peptide that binds with high affinity to complement protein C3 and C3b, inhibiting cleavage of C3 and preventing generation of downstream complement effectors that cause cell lysis and inflammation.

This medication is administered subcutaneously twice weekly. Patients should be monitored for infections, including meningococcal infections, as complement inhibition increases susceptibility. Vaccination against encapsulated bacteria is recommended prior to initiation. Common side effects include injection site reactions, infections, and fatigue.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy