Drugs Used

This is for information only, it is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor

 

There is no ‘cure’ for FCAS2, it is a lifelong condition. The five drugs that are currently used “off-label” to treat the symptoms of FCAS2 are:

  • Medication for FCAS2Colchicine
  • Prednisone
  • Anakinra (brand name Kineret)
  • Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra)
  • Canakinumab (brand name Ilaris)

All drugs need approval for specific indications before they can be sold in that indication. ‘Off-label’ use is the practice of prescribing pharmaceuticals for an unapproved indication. None of these drugs are approved for FCAS2 but have been known to help with the symptoms in some cases. All except for Colchicine and Prednisone are biologics. Biologics are genetically-engineered proteins derived from human genes. They are designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that play pivotal roles in fuelling inflammation.

  • Colchicine is in tablet form and is taken daily.
  • Prednisone is normally in tablet form and is taken daily.
  • Anakinra is delivered by a daily subcutaneous injection.
  • Tocilizumab is delivered to children by an infusion either two weekly, three weekly or monthly in the hospital and with adults as a weekly subcutaneous injection (Great Ormond Street Hospital in London are currently conducting a trial to deliver Tocilizumab to children by subcutaneous injection).
  • Canakinumab is delivered by a monthly injection.