About canakinum ab
Interleukin-1 beta inhibitor
Used for
- Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS)
- Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Adult-onset Still’s disease
- Gout flares when standard treatments are unsuitable
Usual adult dose
Usually 150 mg under the skin every 8 weeks for CAPS; other conditions use different regimens.
Usual dose in children
CAPS: usually 2 mg/kg under the skin every 8 weeks. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks, maximum 300 mg.
Common side effects
- Infections, including upper respiratory infections
- Injection-site reactions
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
Important warnings
- May increase risk of serious infections; avoid starting during an active infection.
- Screen for tuberculosis before treatment; monitor for infection during therapy.
- Vaccinations, especially live vaccines, may need to be avoided during treatment.
- May cause low white blood cell counts or allergic reactions.
Pregnancy
Limited human information; use only when the expected benefit justifies potential fetal risk.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether canakinumab passes into breast milk; clinical effects are uncertain.
Interactions
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Other medicines that suppress the immune system may increase infection risk.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.