Rilonacept

What is this medicine?

RILONACEPT (ri LON a sept) is used to treat cryopyrin associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). This medicine is not a cure.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is injected under the skin. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home. If you get this drug at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

This drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

Talk to your health care provider regarding the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

• breathing problems

• infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain, redness, bruising, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• biologic medicines such as adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines that lower chance of fighting an infection

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself this medicine at home and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Keep unopened vials in the original carton until you are ready to use it. After mixing rilonacept, it may be kept at room temperature and must be used within 3 hours. Protect from light. If the mixed drug is at room temperature for more than 3 hours, throw it away. Throw away any unused, unopened medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes (high blood sugar)

• hepatitis

• high cholesterol

• HIV or AIDs

• immune system problems

• infection (especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

• lung or breathing disease (asthma)

• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to rilonacept, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while taking this medicine.

This drug may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick