Canakinumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 24, 2024.

Applies to canakinumab: subcutaneous solution.

Serious side effects of canakinumab

Along with its needed effects, canakinumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking canakinumab:

More common

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• ear congestion
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• hoarseness
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• shivering
• sneezing
• stomach pain
• stuffy or runny nose
• sweating
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• voice changes
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• chest pain
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of the face, tongue, and throat

Other side effects of canakinumab

Some side effects of canakinumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• increased weight
• muscle or bone pain
• sensation of spinning
• weakness

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to canakinumab: subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (20%), nausea (14%), gastroenteritis, tonsillitis, upper abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia
• Frequency not reported: Hemoglobin increased, decreased white blood cells, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelets^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Elevated transaminases
• Frequency not reported: Elevated serum bilirubin^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions (unspecified)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Influenza (17%), viral infection (13%)^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site reaction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (11%), arthralgia
• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (14%), dizziness/vertigo (11%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Ear infection
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue/asthenia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (34%), rhinitis (17%), bronchitis (11%), pneumonia, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Cellulitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Weight gain (11%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine clearance decreased, proteinuria^[Ref]

Further information

Canakinumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer