Canakinumab Injection

What is this medication?

CANAKINUMAB (can a KIN ue mab) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis. It may also be used to treat conditions with episodes of fever and inflammation that are not caused by infection or autoimmune disease. It can also be used to treat gout attacks. It works by decreasing inflammation. This reduces symptoms. It is a monoclonal antibody.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ilaris

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cancer
• Hepatitis
• HIV or AIDS
• Immune system problems
• Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Low blood cell levels (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to canakinumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It is given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Biologic medications, such as adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Abatacept
• Baricitinib
• Medications that lower your chance of fighting an infection
• Rilonacept
• Rituximab
• Sarilumab
• Tocilizumab
• Tofactinib
• Upadacitinib
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work while taking this medication.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribed any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.