Siltuximab injection

What is this medicine?

SILTUXIMAB is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat multicentric Castleman disease (MCD).

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinical setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• back pain

• breathing problems

• chest pain or chest tightness

• dizziness

• facial flushing or redness

• fast, irregular heart beat

• feeling faint or lightheaded

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• signs of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or difficulty passing urine

• stomach pain

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

• constipation

• diarrhea

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• atorvastatin

• birth control pills

• cyclosporine

• live virus vaccines

• lovastatin

• theophylline

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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

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

• HIV or AIDS

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

• recently received or schedule to receive a vaccine

• stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to siltuximab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 3 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 3 months after the last dose.