Information about Siltuximab

Generic Name : Siltuximab
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Siltuximab are provided here.

Pronunciation : Sil-TUX- i-mab

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Siltuximab, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Trade Names/Brand Names of Siltuximab

India :

Sylvant

Overview of Siltuximab

Siltuximab for Treating Castleman’s Disease

Why is Siltuximab Prescribed? (Indications)

Siltuximab injection is used to treat patients suffering from multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) in which the disease involves multiple lymph nodes or other distant tissues of the body.

Siltuximab must be prescribed only to patients who are having MCD, who are negative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative.

When should Siltuximab not be taken? (Contraindications)

• If there is an allergy or hypersensitivity to siltuximab.
• Patients who are positive to HIV and HHV-8.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• History of active infections.
• Children below 18 years of age.

What is the dosage of Siltuximab?

Siltuximab is given in the dose of 11 mg/kg body weight over 1 hour. It is administered every 3 weeks unless there is a confirmation of treatment failure.

Blood tests should be performed regularly up to the first year of siltuximab treatment and thereafter every 3 dosing cycles.

The treatment with siltuximab can be withheld temporarily if any abnormalities in blood count are recorded. However, the dose reduction is not advised.

How should Siltuximab be taken?

Siltuximab should be given by an intravenous infusion or directly into the vein very slowly over 1 hour.

The dilution and preparation procedure should be done by a trained health care provider in a controlled sterile environment free from micro-organisms.

Siltuximab should be removed from the refrigerator and kept at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before preparing for administration.

Use sterile water for injection for dissolving siltuximab powder and dilute it with dextrose 5% solution. Gently invert the infusion bag for mixing.

Shaking or swirling the infusion bag rigorously should not be done.

It is necessary to inspect the vial and the diluted solution for the presence of any visible particles or discoloration before use.

The reconstituted product should not be kept for more than two hours before adding into the infusion bag.

The infusion should be completed within four hours from the time of dilution.

Do not infuse siltuximab with other agents through the same intravenous (IV) line to avoid unexpected chemical reactions.

Missed a Dose?

If a dose of siltuximab is skipped or missed, consult the doctor immediately.

What are the warnings and precautions for Siltuximab?

•Siltuximab should not be given to patients with severe infections. •Proper antibiotic therapy should be provided and do not give siltuximab until the infection is resolved.

•Live vaccines should not be given to patients on siltuximab treatment because the vaccine may not work properly. •It is advised to have the vaccine immunization before starting the treatment with siltuximab.

•Immediately stop the infusion of siltuximab if a patient develops any allergic reactions.

•The treatment can be resumed at a lower dose and patients can be given allergy treating medications, fever-reducing pills, and steroids.

•Discontinue siltuximab infusion if the allergic reactions are very severe or life-threatening. Do not restart the treatment in such cases.

•Patients can develop stomach ulcer or intestinal bleeding with siltuximab treatment. Therefore, patients must be advised to consult the doctor if severe stomach pain or flatulence occurs to rule out the ulcer.

What are the side effects of Siltuximab?

The most common side effects of siltuximab are weight gain, infection of the airways, skin rashes and pruritus (itching)

The other side effects are :
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, decreased appetite, stomach pain
Blood: Low platelet level, fluid accumulation, abnormal blood pressure, high level of uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides
Nervous system: Headache
Respiratory: Throat pain, cough, sneezing, nasal obstruction
Others: Dry skin, skin hyperpigmentation, kidney damage

What are the other precautions for Siltuximab?

Female of childbearing potential are advised to avoid pregnancy by using an effective contraception during the treatment and continue for 3 months after the last infusion of siltuximab.

Patients must be advised to consult the doctor immediately if any new infection or worsening of the existing medical conditions occur.

It is necessary to evaluate the patient’s health status each time before a treatment cycle is given.

What are the Drug Interactions of Siltuximab?

Siltuximab can affect the concentration of certain drugs that may result in either treatment failure or lead to toxicity, therefore should be avoided. The drugs include warfarin, cyclosporine, theophylline, atorvastatin, and oral contraceptives.