Have you or someone in your family been prescribed a medication called Rilonacept by your doctor? If so, this article will be very important to you. It is a somewhat complex and specialized medication, so it is important to be fully informed about it. Let's talk about this simply and politely.
What exactly is Rilonacept?
Simply put, Rilonacept is a drug given as an injection that controls some of the functions of your body's immune system. It is mainly used to treat several medical conditions.
- Recurrent Pericarditis: Our heart is surrounded by a thin sac that acts as a protective covering. Sometimes, this sac becomes inflamed, or swollen. If this happens repeatedly, this medicine is given to control the symptoms.
- Rare hereditary diseases: It is also given for several very rare, hereditary conditions, such as Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) and Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA) .
But it's important to remember this: This is not a cure-all. It only controls symptoms and inflammation.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. This medication is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Do you have this condition? | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Any type of infection (e.g., chickenpox, herpes, cold sores) | Because this medicine reduces the body's immunity, an existing infection may become worse. |
| Diabetes | Due to the effects of the medication, you need to be more careful about your blood sugar levels. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) or close contact with a TB patient | As immunity decreases, dormant tuberculosis in the body can reactivate. |
| HIV/AIDS or other immune system weaknesses | The risk is higher because this medicine further reduces immunity. |
| If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor must decide whether the medicine will affect the child. |
| If you have recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future | Live vaccines, in particular, can cause problems with this medicine. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to Rilonacept. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. However, sometimes you can be taught how to give it yourself at home.
- Follow exactly: Use the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Needles and syringes: Never throw your used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Rilonacept is a medication that can interact with other medications. So it's very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including herbs and vitamins.
| Do NOT take Rilonacept with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Other biologic medicines | Examples: Adalimumab, Anakinra, Etanercept, Infliximab. Taking these together greatly increases the risk of developing serious infections. |
| Live virus vaccines | For example: Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox vaccine. Because the immune system is weakened when taking this medicine, you can still get sick from these vaccines. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you take these medications. | |
| Warfarin | A medicine that prevents blood clotting. The effects of Warfarin may be altered when taken with Rilonacept. Therefore, blood tests (INR) may need to be done more frequently. |
| Types of Steroids | For example: Prednisone, Cortisone. These also reduce immunity, so the risk of infection increases when both are taken together. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
You should always pay attention to your health while taking this medicine.
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will ask you to come to the clinic regularly. He will also order blood tests. Don't skip these.
- Risk of infection: This is the most important thing.
Taking this medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight disease, so you may be more likely to get infections than normal.
If you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or pain when urinating , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Also, try to stay away from people who are sick.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Rilonacept can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you have these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, pain when breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, urinary tract infection. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Vaccination site | Pain, redness, bruising, or slight swelling. This is normal. |
How to store the medicine?
If you are using this medicine at home, it is very important to store it correctly.
- Unopened vials: Store these in the normal part of the fridge (between 2-8 degrees Celsius). Do not store in the freezer.
- Protect from light: Keep in the original carton until ready to use.
- After mixing: After mixing the medicine, it should be used within 3 hours at room temperature. If it has been more than 3 hours, throw it away.
Take-Home Message
- Rilonacept is a medication that controls symptoms, not a cure.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- The main risk of taking this medicine is infection. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, call your doctor immediately.
- Never use Rilonacept with other biologic drugs or live virus vaccines.
- Always dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this medication, always ask your doctor before making decisions on your own.
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