Canakinumab (Injection)

Introduction

Canakinumab (kan-a-KIN-ue-mab)

Treats cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), and Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS).

Brand Name(s)

Ilaris

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are using medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid medicine (dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®) or a cancer medicine. Tell your doctor if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using adalimumab (Humira®), anakinra (Kineret®), etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), or rilonacept (Arcalyst?).
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have an immune system problem. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, HIV or AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis (TB) or a history of TB, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has active TB.
• You or your child will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis test.
• You or your child may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or who have infections. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a fever, chills, or cough.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty with breathing.
• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Trouble with swallowing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.
• Headache.
• Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088