Uses
What is Arcalyst used for?
Arcalyst (rilonacept) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), including Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome which are conditions where the body attacks itself and causes inflammation (autoinflammatory conditions)
- Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA), which is a condition where your body does not produce a certain protein to block another inflammatory protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1), which can cause inflammation that can affect the skin and bone
- Recurrent pericarditis, which is inflammation around the lining of the heart (pericardium)
Learn more about How Arcalyst Treats and Prevents Recurrent Pericarditis.
Arcalyst may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Arcalyst work (mechanism of action)?
Arcalyst is an interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker. IL-1 is normally made by your body and is part of your body’s response to inflammation. Arcalyst blocks IL-1, which stops the cycle that leads to inflammation.
How is Arcalyst supplied (dosage forms)?
Arcalyst is available as 220 mg per vial that is injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
How should I store Arcalyst?
Store the vial of Arcalyst powder in its original carton in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until the expiration date. Protect from light.
Once the Arcalyst powder has been mixed with sterile water, the medicine can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 hours, away from light. Throw away any unused portions of Arcalyst.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Arcalyst?
The most common side effects of Arcalyst are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- An infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Joint and muscle pain
- Rash
- Ear infection
There may be other side effects of Arcalyst that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Arcalyst?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Arcalyst are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Arcalyst may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Arcalyst and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Infection. Arcalyst can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Weight loss
Cancer. Arcalyst can cause a new cancer to develop. Tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms that you may get.
Increase in Cholesterol. Arcalyst can increase cholesterol levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to get your cholesterol levels checked.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Arcalyst?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Arcalyst.
- Arcalyst
- Rilonacept
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Arcalyst.
What should I know about Arcalyst before using it?
Arcalyst is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understand how to properly prepare and use Arcalyst. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider. Your prescription also has an Instructions for Use paper that gives step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and inject Arcalyst.
Do not use Arcalyst unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Arcalyst with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Arcalyst out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator before you use it, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Arcalyst?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Arcalyst is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- An infection, are being treated for an infection, or have symptoms of an infection such as a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms
- A history of infections coming back
- Open sores on your body
- Asthma
- Diabetes or an immune system problem
- Tuberculosis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, or hepatitis C or a history of these conditions
- High cholesterol or heart problems
Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines while using Arcalyst. Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you have received or have scheduled. Your healthcare provider will determine if they would like you to receive additional vaccines before beginning Arcalyst.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Arcalyst may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Arcalyst, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Arcalyst could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Arcalyst passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Arcalyst?
For more information about Arcalyst, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.arcalyst.com or call them at 833-546-4572.
Interactions
Does Arcalyst interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Arcalyst and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Arcalyst and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
Does Arcalyst interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Arcalyst.
- Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), or Remicade (infliximab), which are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors that help stop inflammation
- Kineret (anakinra), which is an interleukin-1 inhibitor that helps stop inflammation
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
Arcalyst may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Arcalyst. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Arcalyst?
If you or someone else has used too much Arcalyst, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Arcalyst?
If you miss a dose, administer your dose within 7 days from the missed dose and then continue to use it as scheduled. If it has been more than 7 days since your missed dose, administer your dose and create a new dosing schedule based on the day you inject the medicine.