What is Sylvant?
Sylvant blocks a specific protein that is found in your body, known as interleukin-6 (IL-6). In high amounts, IL-6 could cause an increase in the number of lymphocytes within your lymph system (part of the immune system).
Sylvant is a medication used to treat multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). MCD is one of the rare diseases where the body produces excessive amounts of a particular type of white blood cell. MCD could increase the chances of getting certain cancers by altering how your immune system functions.
Sylvant is not recommended for use by people suffering from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human herpesvirus-8.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use Sylvant in the event of a severe infection. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any indications of an infection (fever, chills, fever, and body pains).
Before taking this drug
You shouldn't be treated with Sylvant if you have an allergy to siltuximab or suffer from a serious infection.
If you suffer from a serious illness that involves fever or another kind of infection, then it is possible to be patient until you feel better before you can take this medicine. Inform your doctor if you recently experienced any symptoms of illness (fever, chills, aches in your body, or pains).
To be sure Sylvant is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:
- A chronic infection
- An intestinal or stomach disorder that causes ulcers or diverticulitis;
- The bleeding of the stomach or the intestinal tract;
- Gout or
- If you've recently had any vaccinations or if you're due to get one.
Sylvant can affect a baby who is not yet born. Siltuximab may affect the baby's immune system if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Use the most effective methods to stop pregnancy while using this medication and for at least three months following the last dose.
How to take Sylvant?
Sylvant is administered as an injection into the vein, generally once every three weeks. The healthcare professional will give the injection. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage extremely carefully.
Prior to each injection, your doctor will run blood tests to make sure that you don't have issues that could make it unsafe for you to use Sylvant.
Siltuximab may increase your chances of developing an infection or bleeding. You'll need regular examinations. Your treatments may be delayed depending on the results.
Sylvant should be administered slowly, and the IV infusion may take up to an hour to finish.
Siltuximab reduces blood cells, which help fight illnesses. Your blood must be checked frequently. Treatments may be delayed depending on the results of these tests.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Castleman's Disease:
11 mg/kg intravenously administered over 3 weeks for 1 hour
The duration of therapy is up to the failure of treatment.
Comments:
Siltuximab was not tested in patients suffering from MCD who were HIV positive or HHV-8 positive since siltuximab was not able to attach to virally generated IL-6 in a non-clinical study.
Use: Treatment for patients suffering from multicentric Castleman's Disease (MCD) that are immune deficiency virus (HIV) positive as well as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative.
What happens If miss a dose?
Contact your doctor for advice. If you do not make the appointment for the Sylvant injection,
What happens If I overdose?
Because the medicine is prescribed by a medical specialist in a medical setting, it is highly unlikely for an overdose to occur.
What should be avoided?
Do not get a "live" vaccine while using Sylvant. The vaccine may not function as effectively and may not be able to fully protect you against diseases. Live vaccinations comprise measles, rubella, and mumps (MMR), as well as polio, the typhoid virus, rotavirus, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal influenza (influenza) vaccination.
Side effects of Sylvant
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you experience any symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Sylvant: hives; chest tightness; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
There are some side effects that can happen after the injection. Contact your physician immediately. If you feel sick or experience back discomfort, a redness or warmth on your chest, pain, heartbeats that pound or flutter around your chest, or swelling on your face,
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- Stools that are bloody or tarry, coughing with bloody mucus, or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
- Indicators of infection, like chills, fever, painful mouth sores, pain while swallowing, flu or cold manifestations, cough, difficulty breathing.
- Symptoms of kidney problems such as a lack of or no urine; pain or difficulty urinating; swelling of your ankles, feet, or ankles; intense pain in your lower back or side.
Some common Sylvant-related side effects can include:
- Weight gain
- Itching or rash
- Symptoms of a cold, such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, or sore throats; or
- The presence of high levels of uric acid present in the blood (which can result in kidney problems or gout-related symptoms like joint stiffness and pain as well as swelling).
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can impact Sylvant?
Other drugs can be incompatible with siltuximab, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about any medications you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start taking.
