Canakinumab
Canakinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a key driver of inflammation in the body. It is used to treat certain rare auto-inflammatory conditions where excessive IL-1 activity causes recurrent symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and fatigue. This medication is administered by subcutaneous injection and is classified as an immunosuppressant.
Canakinumab is an IL-1β inhibitor used to treat auto-inflammatory diseases by reducing inflammation in the body.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AC08
- RxNorm
- 1114117
- Generic
- Canakinumab
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Ilaris
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 624
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 1344
- Routes
- subcutaneous
- Forms
- solution for injection, lyophilized powder for reconstitution
- Regions
- United States, European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Monitoring
- infection signs, complete blood count, neutrophil count, liver function tests
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 150mg every 8 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 weeks (subcutaneous injection)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 4mg/kg every 4 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks (subcutaneous injection)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg every 8 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 weeks (subcutaneous injection)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring close to delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
monitor infant for infections
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2-4 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for CAPS and SJIA in patients 2 years and older
regular monitoring for infections
pediatric_age
children 4-18 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for CAPS, SJIA, and FMF
regular monitoring for infections and efficacy
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use with caution due to increased infection risk
close monitoring for infections and adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
use with caution, limited data available
monitor renal function
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data, use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor renal function and for infections
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
limited data available
monitor hepatic function
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor hepatic function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Biological immunomodulatory agent
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Canakinumab
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Canakinumab is primarily used to treat cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome. It is also approved for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in children, adult-onset Still's disease, and periodic fever syndromes such as TRAPS and hyper-IgD syndrome (HIDS/MKD). Additionally, it may be used for gout flares when conventional therapies are unsuitable.
Canakinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to and neutralizes interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a cytokine that plays a central role in promoting inflammation. By blocking IL-1β, the medication reduces the inflammatory response that causes the symptoms of auto-inflammatory conditions. It does not directly suppress the entire immune system but specifically targets the IL-1 pathway.
Canakinumab should be used under the supervision of a specialist familiar with auto-inflammatory diseases. It may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections, and should not be used in patients with active infections. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Common side effects may include injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, and headache. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection and blood counts during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy