A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Canakinumab (PF)

Pronounced

"KAN-a-KIN-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Ilaris

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 gout attacks (flares), Still's disease, and a type of arthritis in children (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA).

How to Use This Medication

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. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, weight, 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 for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, red, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. 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.