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 type of rheumatoid arthritis in children (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA), as well as Still's Disease in adults.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for gout.
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
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 last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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
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 (cannabis) 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 (cannabis).
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 make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using canakinumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. 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.
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
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. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as CBC, liver function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store this drug in the original container in the refrigerator away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Each vial of medication is for single use only. Throw away any unused portion. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
After mixing the powdered form of this medication, it may be kept at room temperature for up to 1 hour. If not used within 1 hour, store in the refrigerator and use within the time specified in the product instructions.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
