Siltuximab - intravenous


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Siltuximab is used to treat multicentric Castleman’s disease (non-cancerous growths in the lymph nodes) in individuals who do not have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection.
How do I use this medicine?
Siltuximab is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your response on the medication.
What should I do if I have forgotten to use this medicine?
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Siltuximab.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have severe infections as Siltuximab may not be suitable for you.

Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
What should I take note of while using this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • long-term infections
  • history of recurring infections
  • stomach or bowel problems which may increase the risk of getting a tear in the stomach
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Siltuximab therapy and for 3 months after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring for signs of allergic or infusion-related reactions and infection may also be needed.
What side effects could I experience?
Siltuximab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, common cold, mouth sores, joint pain, and weight gain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • signs and symptoms of allergic or infusion-related reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth, chest tightness, wheezing
  • signs and symptoms of infections e.g. fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, chills, sore throat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I use this with other medicines?
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
  • theophylline (asthma medicine)
  • cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, lovastatin
  • ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
  • birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Siltuximab.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Siltuximab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.

If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.

Keep vials in their original package to protect them from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on siltuximab - intravenous and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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