Arcalyst
Generic name:rilonacept [ ril-ON-a-sept ]
Drug class:Interleukin inhibitors
What is Arcalyst?
Arcalyst is used to treat some of the symptoms of rare genetic conditions such as Familial Cold Auto-inflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) or Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS).
FCAS and MWS are inflammatory disorders in which the body develops certain symptoms in response to cold, heat, stress, or tiredness. These symptoms often include rash, fever, and joint pain, and eye redness or discomfort. More serious symptoms may include deafness or kidney failure.
Arcalyst may treat or prevent the symptoms of Familial Cold Auto-inflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) or Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS) in adults and children at least 12 years old.
Arcalyst is also used to control symptoms of a condition called Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA), in adults and children who weigh at least 22 pounds (10 kilograms). DIRA is a very rare genetic condition that causes a severe inflammatory reaction during the first days of life and can lead to organ failure throughout the body.
Arcalyst is not a cure for these inherited conditions.
Arcalyst is also used to reduce episodes of recurrent pericarditis (RP) in adults and children at least 12 years old. RP can cause pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, and severe chest pain spreading to your back or neck.
Warnings
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Arcalyst. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, or open sores on your body.
You should not use Arcalyst if you are allergic to rilonacept, or if you have any type of infection.
Before using Arcalyst, tell your doctor if you have an active or chronic infection, a history of tuberculosis or recurrent infections, or high cholesterol or triglycerides. Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start treatment with Arcalyst.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially drugs to treat arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Arcalyst. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to use Arcalyst if you have an active infection.
Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection (fever, cough, flu symptoms, open sores), or if you have ever had:
an active or chronic infection, including HIV;
hepatitis B or C;
tuberculosis (or if...
