Ilaris Injection Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Ilaris Injection treatments.

Ilaris is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

  • Periodic Fever Syndromes:
    • Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), in adults and children
      4 years of age and older including:

      • Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) (1.1)
      • Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS) (1.1)
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) in adult and pediatric patients
    • Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (HIDS)/Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) in adult and pediatric patients
    • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in adult and pediatric patients.
  • Active Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) in patients aged 2 years
    and older

What is Ilaris?

Ilaris, also known as canakinumab, is a biologic injection therapy that treats auto-inflammatory Periodic Fever Syndromes and is the only FDA-approved treatment for Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD). 

How Ilaris Works  

Some diseases cause overproduction of or sensitivity to a substance called a cytokine. Too much of a cytokine called interleukin-1-beta causes inflammation triggered by the immune system even when there is no infection to fight. 

Ilaris works by attaching to interleukin-1-beta to block its interaction and stop the immune system from triggering inflammation. 

Ilaris Injection Dosage & Administration

Ilaris Injection Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive canakinumab via subcutaneous injection. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Before receiving their first injection of canakinumab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the condition they are being treated for. 

Though dosage varies, injections of Ilaris are typically administered once every 4 weeks. 

Ilaris Side Effects

As with all medications, side effects are possible.  

Common side effects include: 

  • Cold symptoms 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Flu 
  • Runny nose 
  • Headache 
  • Cough 
  • Body aches 
  • Nausea and vomiting  
  • Vertigo 
  • Weight gain 
  • Injection site reactions 
  • Upper respiratory tract infections 
  • Sore throat 
  • Pneumonia 
  • Urinary tract infection 

Additional side effects are: 

  • Allergic reactions 
  • Decreased ability of your body to fight infections (immunosuppression)

Preparing for Your Ilaris Injection

Follow these steps to prepare for your Ilaris Injection:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Injection.
  • Pre-Injection Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Injection tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Pre-Injection Medications

  • Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Ilaris Injection may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
  • Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Injection as directed.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Injection to ensure you are well-hydrated.
  • Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Injection to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.

Prepare for Comfort

  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Injection site.
  • Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.

Plan for Transportation

  • Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Injection, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Ilaris Injection is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.

How to Get a Referral for Ilaris

Every Ilaris Injection referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.

Patient information should include:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Home and mobile phone number
  • Insurance information

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:

  • Patient’s name and DOB
  • Order date
  • Diagnosis
  • Physician’s name and NPI#
  • Office address, phone, and fax numbers
  • Provider’s signature

Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:

  • Periodic Fever Syndromes:
    • Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), in adults and children
      4 years of age and older including:

      • Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) (1.1)
      • Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS) (1.1)
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) in adult and pediatric patients
    • Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (HIDS)/Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) in adult and pediatric patients
    • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in adult and pediatric patients.
  • Active Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) in patients aged 2 years
    and older

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Ilaris treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.

Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Ilaris treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Ilaris Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Ilaris Related Blog Posts

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The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

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