About canakinumab
Interleukin-1 beta inhibitor
Used for
- Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS)
- Familial Mediterranean fever
- Still’s disease, including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Gout flares when other treatments are unsuitable
Usual adult dose
Usually 150 mg under the skin every 8 weeks for CAPS; dosing varies by condition and body weight.
Usual dose in children
For CAPS, usually 2 mg/kg under the skin every 8 weeks. Other pediatric dosing depends on condition and weight.
Common side effects
- Infections, including upper respiratory infections
- Injection-site reactions
- Headache
- Abdominal pain or nausea
Important warnings
- May increase risk of serious infections; avoid treatment during active serious infection.
- Screen for tuberculosis before treatment; avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Rarely, severe allergic reactions or low white blood cell counts may occur.
- Monitor for infection and blood-count changes as directed.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. Use only when potential benefits justify possible risks; discuss with a clinician.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether canakinumab passes into human milk. Consider treatment benefits and breastfeeding benefits with a clinician.
Interactions
- Live vaccines may be unsafe or less effective during treatment.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines may increase infection risk.
- Avoid combining with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or other interleukin-1 blockers.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.