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Canakinumab
Canakinumab is licensed to treat certain types of rare genetic conditions called cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes. These conditions cause inflammation throughout the body. This prescription medication comes in the form of an injection that is given just under the skin once every eight weeks. Potential side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and symptoms of the common cold.
Canakinumab (Ilaris®) is a prescription medication approved to treat rare genetic autoinflammatory conditions known as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), such as familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS). It belongs to a group of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies.
(Click What Is Canakinumab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, canakinumab may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects seen with canakinumab include but are not limited to:
- Symptoms of the common cold
- Diarrhea
- The flu (influenza)
- Nausea
- Headache.
(Click Canakinumab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD