What is canakinumab?
Canakinumab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.
Canakinumab is used to treat rare genetic conditions such as Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS) in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Canakinumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about canakinumab?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to canakinumab.
Before using canakinumab, tell your doctor if you have an active infection, a history of recurrent infections, a weak immune system, or a history of tuberculosis.
Your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start treatment with canakinumab.
Canakinumab can make it easier for you to get sick. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with canakinumab. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
Treatment with canakinumab may increase your risk of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using canakinumab?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to canakinumab.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether canakinumab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether canakinumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Treatment with canakinumab may increase your risk of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.