CANAKINUMAB - INJECTION

CANAKINUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KAN-a-KIN-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ilaris

GENERIC NAME(S): canakinumab/PF

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of periodic fever syndromes, which include cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS)/mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Canakinumab works by blocking a certain natural protein in your body (interleukin-1 beta) that may worsen the symptoms of these diseases. Canakinumab may help to lessen the symptoms, such as rash, joint/muscle pain, fever, eye redness, and tiredness. Canakinumab is also used to treat a certain type of rheumatoid arthritis in children (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA).


How to use CANAKINUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using canakinumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is injected under the skin as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication to treat CAPS, it is usually given every 8 weeks. If you are using this medication to treat TRAPS, HIDS/MKD, FMF, SJIA, it is usually given every 4 weeks. The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Do not shake the vial. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. The liquid should be clear, and either colorless or a pale brownish yellow color. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, red, or hard. Never reuse syringes or needles. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder when you should get the next dose. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, itching, pain, warmth, or swelling at the injection site may occur. Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication can affect your immune system. It can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. You may be more likely to get serious infections, such as pneumonia, bone/joint infections, skin infections, or sinusitis. It may also be harder to fight an infection you already have. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of an infection, such as fever/chills, cough, or cold/flu symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using canakinumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (such as HIV infection), current/recent/returning infection (including hepatitis and tuberculosis), cancer. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before starting this drug, you should take a tuberculosis (TB) skin test to check for a type of tuberculosis that may not be causing any symptoms (latent TB). If you are diagnosed with TB, you must first be treated for it before you start canakinumab to prevent a serious TB infection. Canakinumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other IL-1 blockers (such as anakinra, rilonacept), TNF-blockers (such as adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for CANAKINUMAB - INJECTION

Canakinumab is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. It is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and periodic fever syndromes.

Canakinumab blocks a specific protein called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which plays a major role in promoting inflammation. By inhibiting IL-1β, canakinumab helps reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.

Canakinumab is approved to treat systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients aged 2 years or older, and periodic fever syndromes, including familial Mediterranean fever.

Canakinumab is administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). The specific dosage and frequency of injections depend on the condition being treated and the patient's weight.

Common side effects of canakinumab include injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling), upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and blood pressure elevation. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects.

People with active infections or a history of hypersensitivity to canakinumab should not take this medication. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications, allergies, or medical conditions you have before starting canakinumab.

The onset of action of canakinumab varies depending on the condition being treated. Some patients may experience improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, while for others, it may take longer. Your healthcare provider will monitor your response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.

It is generally recommended to complete all necessary immunizations before starting canakinumab therapy. However, live vaccines should be avoided while receiving canakinumab due to potential risks. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider regarding any vaccinations while on this medication.

No specific interactions between canakinumab and alcohol have been identified. However, alcohol consumption in moderation is generally advised.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.