Arcalyst

What is ARCALYST?

(ARCALYST) This medication is used to treat a certain group of inherited disorders called cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome. Rilonacept works by blocking a certain natural protein in your body (interleukin-1) that may worsen the symptoms of CAPS. Rilonacept does not cure CAPS, but it can help lessen the symptoms, including rash, joint pain, fever, and tiredness. This medication is also used to treat a condition of a lack of the natural protein interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist-DIRA). Rilonacept is also used to treat a certain type heart disease (recurrent pericarditis). This medication reduces the risk of the heart disease from coming back.

How should I use ARCALYST?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using rilonacept and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly. The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. The mixed medication should be thick, clear, and colorless to pale yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, red, or hard. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take ARCALYST?

Before using rilonacept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma), cancer, cuts or open sores, diabetes, immune system problems (such as HIV infection), current/recent/returning infection (including hepatitis and tuberculosis). Rilonacept can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Tell your health care professional that you are using rilonacept before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with ARCALYST?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids, drugs that block tumor necrosis factor-TNF (such as adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab), other drugs that block interleukin-1 (such as anakinra).

What if I miss a dose of ARCALYST?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 24 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ARCALYST?

Bruising, itching, pain, redness, swelling, or hardening of the skin at the injection site may occur. Injection site reactions usually go away after 1 or 2 days. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). This medication can affect the amount of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in your blood. Your doctor may periodically order lab tests to monitor this side effect and prescribe treatment if needed. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep ARCALYST?

Store the unmixed drug in the original container in the refrigerator away from light. After mixing, store at room temperature away from light. Use within 3 hours of mixing, and discard any unused portion. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.