What is Rilonacept?
Rilonacept can be used to treat certain symptoms of rare genetic disorders such as Muckle-Wells syndrome or Familial Cold-Auto-inflammatory Syndrome. FCAS and MWS can be inflammatory disorders where the body exhibits symptoms as a response to heat, cold, stress, or fatigue. These symptoms include a rash and fever. Joint discomfort and redness or discomfort in the eyes are also common. Deafness and renal failure are more serious symptoms. Rilonacept can treat or prevent symptoms of Familial Cold Auto-Inflammation Syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome in adults and children over 12 years old. Rilonacept can also be used to treat symptoms of a condition known as Deficiency Interleukin-1 Resceptor Antagonist in adults and children weighing at least 22 pounds. DIRA is an extremely rare genetic disorder that can cause a severe inflammatory response in the first few days of life. It can also lead to organ failure. Rilonacept does not cure these inherited diseases. Rilonacept can also be used to reduce episodes of pericarditis in adults and children older than 12 years. The symptoms of RP include pounding hearts, difficulty breathing, and severe chest pain that can spread to the neck or back. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Rilonacept.
Side effects of Rilonacept
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or facial or throat swelling - seek medical help immediately!
If any of the following symptoms appear, consult your healthcare provider immediately:
- Sore throat, fever, chills
- Open sores on the body
- Coughing, feeling short of breath, with mucus;
- Headache; neck stiffness; increased sensitivity to lights; confusion
- Dry cough, chest discomfort, wheezing Rapid weight loss.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Vomit or blood that resembles coffee grounds
- Wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing
- You may experience pain or burning while urinating.
- Signs of an ear infection include fever or a full feeling in the ear, difficulty hearing, ear drainage, and fussiness.
Some of the common side effects associated with rilonacept include:
- Cold symptoms, including stuffy noses, runny or blocked noses, sneezing, and sore throats;
- Ear infection
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rash;
- Pain, swelling, redness, itching, warmth, blistering bleeding, bruising, or a lump at the injection site
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For medical advice regarding them. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Rilonacept can cause serious and even fatal infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection, such as fever or chills, a sore throat, flu-like symptoms, or an open sore on your body.
Before you take this drug
If you are infected, you may not be allowed to use rilonacept.
If you experience any of the following symptoms (fever or cough, flu-like symptoms, sores, etc.) Or have had:
- HIV is an infection that can be active or chronic.
- Hepatitis B, or C
- Tuberculosis
- A weak immune system, caused by disease or certain medicines.
- Diabetes;
- Asthma
- High triglycerides (a type of blood fat)
Be sure to have all your vaccines up-to-date before starting treatment with rilonacept. The use of rilonacept can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Speak to your doctor about the specific risks you face. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Rilonacept?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Rilonacept can be injected once a week under the skin. An healthcare provider will show you the proper way to use the medication You can give your doses in two or more injections at different places on your body. Rilonacept should be mixed with liquid (diluent) before use. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them.
Each time you inject, choose a new area on your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Your healthcare provider will show you the best spots on your body where you can inject the medication. Do not repeat the same injection in the same area. You may need to have frequent blood tests while taking rilonacept. Each vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. Never reuse needles or syringes more than once; immediately place them into an anti-puncture sharps container after each use and dispose of as per local/state regulations; keep out of reach of pets and childrenkeep the powdered medicine away from sunlight and in the fridge. Don't freeze. Do not freeze. Store rilonacept at room temperature after mixing it with a diluteant. Use within 3 hours. Keep away from the light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss an injection dose, call your physician right away and get instructions from him or her.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison ingestion and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while taking rilonacept. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu). Before getting an influenza or pneumonia shot, ask your doctor if you should.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Adalimumab;
- Certolizumab;
- Etanercept;
- Fingolimod;
- Golimumab;
- Infliximab;
- Leflunomide;
- A blood thinner, such as Warfarin( Coumadin or Jantoven);
- Steroid medicine such as prednisone.
This list is incomplete. Rilonacept may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
