Siltuximab Injection
What is this medication?
SILTUXIMAB (sil TUX i mab) treats Castleman disease, a condition that causes your body to make extra cells in your lymph nodes. It works by blocking a protein that causes lymph cells to grow and multiply. This decreases symptoms. It is a monoclonal antibody.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sylvant
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- HIV or AIDS
- Infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
- Recently received or schedule to receive a vaccine
- Stomach or intestine problems
- An unusual or allergic reaction to siltuximab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinical setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Live virus vaccines
This medication may interact with the following:
- Atorvastatin
- Cyclosporine
- Estrogen and progestin hormones
- Lovastatin
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 3 months after the last dose. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
- Itching
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Siltuximab
Self-Care Tips:
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- If you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sun block and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4° F (38° or higher, chills)
- Sudden onset of shortness of breath, accompanied by cough and/or fever
- Sudden stomach or bowel pain
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period).
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication).
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period).
- Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs of dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decrease amount of urine, or dizziness.
- Decreased appetite
- Rash or itching
- Sudden increase in swelling or weight gain
- Cough with or without mucus
- Other signs of infection, such as sore throat or pain with urination
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
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