Ilaris: A Comprehensive Guide on Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions and Generic Options Ilaris (canakinumab) is a medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including rare auto-inflammatory syndromes. It was developed by Novartis and was approved by the FDA in 2009. Uses: Ilaris is primarily prescribed to treat periodic fever syndromes, an illness comprised of several related diseases that cause recurrent fevers. Some of the common periodic fever syndromes treated by Ilaris include Familial Mediterranean Fever, Muckle-Wells Syndrome, and TNF Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS). Ilaris is also effective in treating gouty arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Dosage: The recommended dosage of Ilaris depends on the patient's age, weight, and condition. For adult patients with syndromes such as Familial Mediterranean Fever and Muckle-Wells Syndrome, the dosage typically ranges from 150mg to 300mg given once every 8 weeks. For pediatric patients (aged 4 years and older) with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the recommended dosage is determined based on the child's weight, with a maximum dose of 4mg/kg of body weight given once every 4 weeks. Ilaris is given as a subcutaneous injection and should be administered by a healthcare professional. Demographic: Ilaris is approved for use in adults and children who are at least four years of age. It is primarily used to treat patients with rare, auto-inflammatory diseases that cause periodic fever syndromes. However, it is also used to treat gouty arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Side effects: The most common side effects of Ilaris are headaches, upper respiratory tract infections, and injection site reactions such as redness, pain, and swelling. Less common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and anemia. There is also a risk of developing serious infections. Patients who experience an allergic reaction should stop taking Ilaris immediately and seek medical attention. Interactions: Patients taking immunosuppressant drugs or live vaccines should consult their healthcare provider before taking Ilaris. There are no known interactions between Ilaris and other medications. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you are taking before starting Ilaris. Generic options: As Ilaris is a biologic drug, there are no generic options currently available. Biologic drugs are complex molecules made from living cells and are more expensive to produce compared to traditional, chemical-based drugs. Consequently, biologics are typically more expensive than their chemical-based counterparts and are protected by patent. Conclusion: Ilaris is an effective medication that treats various auto-inflammatory syndromes, including periodic fever syndromes and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The recommended dosage of Ilaris depends on the patient's age, weight, and condition. Nevertheless, Ilaris has its fair share of side effects; patients who experience an allergic reaction should stop taking Ilaris immediately and seek medical attention. Lastly, as a biologic drug, there are currently no generic options available. References: 1. Ilaris Prescribing Information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 2. Lachmann HJ, Kone-Paut I, Kuemmerle-Deschner JB, et al. Use of canakinumab in the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2009 Jun 4;360(23):2416-25. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0810787. 3. Koné-Paut, I., Galeotti, C., & Lachmann, H. J. (2011). Canakinumab for the treatment of autoinflammatory recurrent fever syndromes. Drugs of Today (Barcelona, Spain: 1998), 47(4), 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1358/dot.2011.47.4.1567934