Rilonacept

What is this medication?

RILONACEPT (ri LON a sept) treats recurring inflammation of the sac around the heart (also known as recurrent pericarditis or RP) and it also treats some types of rare inherited conditions such as Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) and deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (also known as DIRA). This medicine is not a cure.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arcalyst

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

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

• diabetes (high blood sugar)
• hepatitis
• high cholesterol
• HIV or AIDs
• immune system problems
• infection (especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• lung or breathing disease (asthma)
• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to rilonacept, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is injected under the skin. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home. If you get this drug at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

This drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

Talk to your health care provider regarding the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 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?

It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• biologic medicines such as adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab
• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines that lower chance of fighting an infection
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• 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?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while taking this medicine.

This drug may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider for advice if you get a fever, chills or 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 doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• breathing problems
• infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)

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

• pain, redness, bruising, or irritation at site where injected

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?

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

If you are using this medicine at home, store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Keep unopened vials in the original carton until you are ready to use it. After mixing this medicine, it may be kept at room temperature and must be used within 3 hours. Protect from light. If the mixed medicine is at room temperature for more than 3 hours, throw it away. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicine, ask your pharmacist or health care provider how to get rid of this medicine safely.

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.