Tag: Cryopyrin associated periodic syndromes

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information, the lyophilized powder form of ARCALYST (rilonacept) must be stored in a refrigerator. The short answer to 'Does ARCALYST need to be refrigerated?' is a definite 'yes' for the unmixed medication, with strict temperature controls to maintain its therapeutic efficacy and safety.

According to prescribing information, rapid weight loss has been reported as a serious side effect that may indicate an underlying infection while taking ARCALYST. However, this weight loss is not a direct result of the medication itself but rather a symptom of a potentially severe infection that can occur due to the drug's effect on the immune system.

Clinical studies have shown that rilonacept can dramatically reduce the risk of recurrent pericarditis episodes. So, what does rilonacept do? It is an injectable anti-inflammatory medication that targets and inhibits interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key signaling protein involved in certain inflammatory responses.