Canakinumab(ILARIS) is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and is used to treat a variety of autoinflammatory diseases. It effectively controls disease symptoms and reduces the risk of recurrence by inhibiting the activity of the inflammatory factor IL-1β.
Canakinumab(ILARIS) instructions: use, usage
Indications and applicable populations
Canakinumab is approved for the following diseases:
Periodic fever syndrome
including cryopyrin-associated syndrome (CAPS), lesion necrosis factor receptor-associated syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS/MKD) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF);
Still's disease
covers adult Still's disease (AOSD) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA);
Refractory gout
suitable for gout patients who are ineffective or contraindicated with traditional drugs (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The applicable age covers children over 4 years old and adults, and the dose needs to be adjusted according to weight.
Dosage regimen and operation specifications
Canakinumab needs to be injected subcutaneously, and the specific dose is determined according to the type of disease and body weight:
CAPS patients
150mg is injected every 8 weeks for those weighing ≥40 kg, and 2 mg/kg is administered for those weighing 15-40 kg;
Still disease
4mg/kg (up to 300mg) is injected once every 4 weeks;
Gout
A single 150mg subcutaneous injection, and the next dose must be at least 12 weeks apart. Check the clarity of the solution before injection to avoid using turbid or particle-containing solutions. Use a 27-gauge needle to inject into healthy subcutaneous tissue and avoid scar areas.
Mastering the correct medication regimen is the basis for ensuring efficacy. The following content will explain the side effects and countermeasures that need to be vigilant during treatment.
Side effects of canakinumab
Canakinumab may cause side effects of varying degrees, most of which are mild and controllable reactions, but be vigilant about the risk of serious infection.
Common adverse reactions
Common reactions in patients with different indications include: diarrhea (>10%), nasopharyngitis, headache; pain at the injection site (>10%), abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infection; nasopharyngitis (>2%), back pain, urinary tract infection. Mild symptoms can be relieved by symptomatic treatment without adjusting the drug dose.
Serious risks and management
Canakinumab may increase the following risks: including recurrence of tuberculosis, opportunistic fungal infection, etc. Screening for latent tuberculosis is required before medication, and live vaccines should be avoided during treatment; rare but potentially life-threatening, breathing difficulties or rash should be discontinued immediately; long-term use may increase the risk of malignant lesions, and blood routine and infection indicators should be monitored regularly. If persistent fever or infection symptoms occur, treatment should be suspended and medical treatment should be sought.
After understanding the management strategy for side effects, patients need to pay attention to health maintenance in daily life. The following content will provide dietary recommendations.
Daily dietary principles for canakinumab
A reasonable diet helps to enhance immunity and reduce drug side effects. The following principles should be followed during canakinumab treatment.
Nutritional balance and immune support
It is recommended to increase foods rich in vitamin C (such as citrus fruits), zinc (such as nuts, lean meat) and protein (such as eggs, fish) to strengthen the immune system. Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods (such as sushi, raw eggs) to reduce the risk of infection. Gout patients need to limit high-purine foods (such as animal offal, seafood).
Drug interactions and dietary taboos
Canakinumab may affect CYP450 enzyme activity, and warfarin, cyclosporine and other drugs with narrow therapeutic windows should be used with caution. Avoid excessive intake of grapefruit or alcohol during treatment to avoid interfering with drug metabolism. Long-term use may lead to decreased bone density. It is recommended to supplement 1000mg of calcium and 800IU of vitamin D daily.
Strictly following the doctor's advice and regular follow-up visits are the key to ensuring the effectiveness of treatment. The drug must be refrigerated at 2°C-8°C throughout the process to avoid freezing or light. If you need to purchase drugs internationally, the price of the original drug (150mg/mL) from Novartis in Switzerland is about US$1,331. It is recommended to obtain it through a regular medical institution. Through scientific management and a healthy lifestyle, canakinumab can provide patients with long-term disease control.
