Canakinumab
Drug Class: Biologics (IL-inhibitor)
Brand Names: Ilaris
Dosages
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Adult Still’s disease: 4 mg/kg (with a maximum of 300 mg) for patients with a body weight greater than or equal to 7.5 kg. Injected every 4 weeks.
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea; headache; upper respiratory infection; pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; stomachache; urinary tract infection.
Be Aware
All biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening disorder that has been reported in some patients with systemic JIA who are taking this drug. MAS symptoms include acute illness with persistent fever, mental status changes, nose and gastrointestinal bleeding, swollen lymph glands, and spleen and liver problems. It requires immediate treatment. This drug should not be taken with TNF inhibitors.
LAST UPDATED: 7/28/2020
