uses
What is Ilaris used for?Ilaris (canakinumab) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.Still’s disease, which is a type of arthritis that affects the whole bodyA flare-up of gout, which is a type of arthritis that causes pain in your big toe and other jointsPeriodic fever syndromes, which is a group of rare conditions where symptoms (such as a fever, rash, pain, and swelling) come and go because of problems with your immune system. Specifically, Ilaris is used for the following types of periodic fever syndromes.Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells syndrome Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)Hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS)/mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD)Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)Ilaris may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Ilaris work (mechanism of action)?People with certain conditions, such as Still’s disease, gout flares, and periodic fever syndromes, have too much interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity. This can cause swelling (inflammation) in different parts of the body. By blocking IL-1, Ilaris can reduce the swelling that causes symptoms of these conditions. How is Ilaris supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesIlarisDosage forms and strengthsIlaris is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store Ilaris?Ilaris is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It may also be given by a health care provider who comes to your home. If you will store Ilaris at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
how to use
liquid that is injected under the skin
drug interactions
Does Ilaris interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Ilaris and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ilaris. Does Ilaris interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Ilaris.Any other medicine that can affect your immune systemA tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, such as adalimumab (Humira and others), etanercept (Enbrel and others), or infliximab (Remicade and others), which is a medicine that helps reduce inflammationAny other interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker, such as anakinra (Kineret) or rilonacept (Arcalyst), which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditionsIlaris may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ilaris. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Ilaris?The most common side effects of Ilaris are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptomsDiarrheaFlu or stomach fluRunny noseNauseaInflamed airway (bronchitis)HeadacheWeight gainPain in your muscles, joints, stomach, or backFeeling off balancePain, itching, swelling, or redness near where the needle went inKidney or bladder infectionHigh levels of fats (triglycerides) in your bloodThere may be other side effects of Ilaris that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Ilaris?While less common, the most serious side effects of Ilaris are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Ilaris may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatShortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightnessSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDark-colored peeYour skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Infections. Ilaris can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. It may also increase your risk of a past infection coming back. Before you start treatment with Ilaris, tell your health care provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB) or any other serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.Burning or stinging when you pee A cough, or coughing up bloodFever, sweats, chills, or muscle achesShortness of breathDiarrhea or stomach painWeight lossSores or warmth, swelling, or redness in one area of your bodyCancer. Ilaris can affect how your immune system works, which may increase the risk of cancer. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.Overactive Immune Response. A small number of people have developed a dangerous and life-threatening condition called macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) after receiving Ilaris for Still’s disease. MAS can happen if your immune system reacts too much to medicines or infection. Tell your health care provider right away if any symptoms of your condition get worse than usual or if you have any of the following symptoms.Fever that lasts more than three daysWarmth or swelling of your skin or redness in one areaA cough that does not go away
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ilaris?If you or someone else has used too much Ilaris, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Ilaris?Ilaris is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Ilaris dose, call to reschedule as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Ilaris?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ilaris.IlarisCanakinumabAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ilaris.What should I know about Ilaris before using it?Ilaris is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It may also be given by a health care provider who comes to your home. Ilaris is given as a shot under your skin (subcutaneously). Some people may have skin reactions, such as pain, swelling, itching, or bruising, where the medicine is injected. Tell your health care provider if you have a skin reaction that does not go away. What should I tell my health care provider before using Ilaris?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Ilaris is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis CA lung disease called tuberculosis (TB)Low white blood cellsKidney or liver problemsRisk of Infection. Before starting Ilaris, tell your health care provider if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms. Also tell your health care provider about any serious infections you have had in the past, any infections that keep coming back, or if you have a weakened immune system.Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or during Ilaris treatment. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.Other Medicines and Supplements. Ilaris may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ilaris, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ilaris could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also tell your health care provider if you become pregnant while using Ilaris or within a year after your last dose. Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ilaris passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Ilaris while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Ilaris?For more information about Ilaris, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.ilaris.com or call them at 888-669-6682.
about
Ilaris is a shot used to treat certain types of arthritis and periodic fever syndromes. It works by blocking a substance in the body called interleukin-1 (IL-1). Common side effects include cold or flu symptoms, infections, and diarrhea. Because Ilaris can weaken your immune system, tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of an infection, such as a cough, a new or worsening fever, or warmth, swelling, or redness in one area of your body.