Canakinumab is a monoclonal antibody drug targeting IL-1β, used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. Understanding its price and medication instructions is crucial for patients to plan their treatment plans.
How much is Canakinumab?
The price of Canakinumab varies depending on the specifications and purchase channels. The following information is for reference:
Price of original drug from Novartis in Switzerland
The specification of the original drug of Canakinumab produced by Novartis in Switzerland is 150mg/mL/vial. The dosage of this drug needs to be adjusted according to the patient's weight and specific indications. The actual cost of use may vary depending on the course of treatment and dosage.
International market price differences
In some countries or regions, the price of Canakinumab may vary due to different medical insurance policies or procurement channels. After medical insurance subsidies are passed in some European countries, the patient's out-of-pocket expenses may be lower than the original drug price. However, it should be noted that China has not yet approved the drug for marketing, and patients need to obtain it through legal and compliant cross-border medical channels.
Next, we will discuss whether Canakinumab needs to be used for a long time and the specific reasons.
Does Canakinumab need long-term use?
The use cycle of Canakinumab depends on the type of disease and individual response. The following is a specific description:
Indications and treatment cycle
Canakinumab is mainly used for the management of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as periodic fever syndrome (including Cryopyrin-related periodic syndrome, familial Mediterranean fever, etc.) and active Still's disease. Because these diseases are prone to recurrence, patients usually need long-term maintenance treatment. For example, patients with Cryopyrin-related periodic syndrome are given once every 8 weeks, while patients with Still's disease are given once every 4 weeks.
Individualized treatment plan
The doctor will adjust the frequency or dosage of medication according to the severity of the patient's condition, symptom control, and drug response. For example, if the efficacy is insufficient, the dose of patients with Cryopyrin-related periodic syndrome may be increased from 2mg/kg to 3mg/kg, while the maximum dose of patients with Still's disease does not exceed 300mg/time. Regular follow-up is the key to adjusting the treatment plan.
After understanding the need for long-term use, we further explore the matters that need to be paid attention to in long-term medication.
Precautions for long-term use of canakinumab
The following aspects need to be closely monitored for long-term use of canakinumab to ensure the treatment effect and patient health:
Laboratory index monitoring
It is recommended to perform blood routine and liver and kidney function tests every 3-6 months. Canakinumab may affect white blood cell count, and long-term use may increase the risk of abnormal liver function. For example, some patients may experience elevated ALT/AST, and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted in time.
Infection risk prevention and control
Canakinumab may increase the risk of infection, including infection (such as aspergillosis). Patients should avoid contact with the source of infection, and should seek medical attention immediately if they have symptoms such as fever and persistent cough. Live vaccines (such as varicella vaccine) are prohibited during medication, and inactivated vaccines must be completed before treatment.
Before starting treatment, please communicate with the attending physician in detail about your medical history and medication needs. Follow the doctor's instructions to take the medicine on time and report any abnormal symptoms truthfully. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet and moderate exercise, will help improve treatment compliance and quality of life.
