Canakinumab (Ilaris) is a biological agent indicated for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. Its purchase channels and precautions are of great significance for patients.
What Are the Purchase Channels for Canakinumab (Ilaris)?
Overseas Purchase
Patients may consult and purchase the drug at hospital pharmacies or licensed pharmacies in countries/regions where canakinumab has been marketed.
Since drug prices may be affected by factors such as regional differences and exchange rate fluctuations, patients are advised to make a sound budget and plan prior to purchase.
Purchase via Medical Service Institutions
Patients may consult domestic overseas medical service institutions that have partnerships with international pharmacies or pharmaceutical manufacturers.
These institutions typically provide legal import channels, along with professional consultation and guidance services.
Precautions for Purchasing Canakinumab (Ilaris)
Strict Adherence to Prescription Principles
Canakinumab is a strictly prescription-only drug and must never be purchased or administered without a prescription.
Prior to medication, patients must undergo a comprehensive assessment by an experienced specialist physician to confirm the diagnosis and indications, and rule out contraindications (e.g., active infections, hypersensitivity to any component of the product, etc.).
Physicians will determine the personalized dosage and administration interval based on the patient’s body weight, specific disease type and severity of condition.
Verification of Drug Information
Upon receiving the drug, carefully check that the information on the package—including the generic name (Canakinumab), brand name (Ilaris), specification (e.g., 150mg/mL), manufacturer (Novartis Pharmaceuticals), batch number and expiration date—is clear and complete.
Cold Chain Assurance
As a biological protein preparation, canakinumab is extremely temperature-sensitive.
Unopened vials must be stored and transported under refrigerated conditions between 2°C and 8°C; freezing or prolonged exposure to room temperature is strictly prohibited.
During the process of picking up and transporting the drug home, use a dedicated medical cooler with ice packs for transit, and store the drug in the refrigerator’s fresh-keeping compartment (not the freezer) as soon as possible.
Medication Safety and Monitoring
Physicians will inform patients of potential risks that require vigilance, including severe infections, allergic reactions, and changes in blood routine, liver and kidney function indicators.
Patients shall undergo regular follow-up examinations as prescribed by physicians, and closely monitor their physical condition. In case of any signs of infection (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue) or discomfort, contact the physician immediately.
How to Identify the Authenticity of Canakinumab (Ilaris)?
Inspection of Outer Packaging and Drug Appearance
Packaging Quality: The packaging box of genuine drugs is made of sturdy material with exquisite printing, clear colors and patterns, and free of typographical errors or double images. Check for any signs of tampering or repackaging.
Traceability Code and Anti-Counterfeiting Markings: Verify the presence of the China Drug Electronic Supervision Code on the packaging box; the drug circulation information can be queried by scanning the code via the official designated app or website. Pay attention to other anti-counterfeiting labels provided by the manufacturer.
Drug Solution: Canakinumab injection is a sterile, preservative-free solution, which should be colorless to light tan and clear to slightly opalescent. The drug must never be used if the solution appears distinctly brown, highly turbid, or contains visible particles or flocculent precipitates.
Verification of Approval Number and Manufacturing Information
For drugs legally marketed in mainland China, the Import Drug Registration Certificate number must be clearly indicated on the packaging.
You can search the official database of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) by entering the drug name or registration certificate number to verify whether the information matches the physical product and whether the batch is within the valid period.
