Understanding idiopathic multicentric
Castleman disease (iMCD)
About IL-6
People with iMCD may experience higher levels of IL-6
There are no known causes or risk factors for iMCD. There is also no evidence that certain foods, lifestyles, or environmental factors are associated with iMCD. Some people with iMCD have interleukin 6 (in-ter-LOO-kin-six), or IL-6, levels that are elevated, which may explain some of the symptoms they experience, such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats.
What is IL-6
IL-6 is a small type of protein known as a cytokine (SY-toe-kyne). Normal levels of IL-6 are produced when the immune system responds to infections or inflammation
Although the exact cause of iMCD is unknown, it is believed that a possible cause is the production of too much IL-6 in the body
Our body’s immune response to infections or tissue damage begins in the lymph nodes with the release of cytokines such as IL-6. Elevated cytokine levels in people with iMCD can cause swollen lymph nodes throughout the body
What is a cytokine storm?
- A cytokine is a small protein that is very important in controlling the growth and activity of other cells in the immune system.
- A cytokine storm is a severe immune system reaction that includes an excess release of cytokines, including IL-6, into the blood too quickly. A cytokine storm can occur in iMCD.
Recognizing the symptoms of iMCD is the first step toward a diagnosis
IL-6, interleukin-6; R.A.R.E., Recordati Access, Resources, and Engagement.
What is SYLVANT?
SYLVANT® (siltuximab) is a prescription medicine used to treat people with multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) who do not have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. It is not known if SYLVANT is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not receive SYLVANT?
Do not receive SYLVANT if you have had a severe allergic reaction to siltuximab or any of the ingredients in SYLVANT. See the Patient Information leaflet for SYLVANT for a complete list of ingredients.
Before starting SYLVANT, tell your healthcare provider (HCP) about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have an infection. You should not receive SYLVANT if you have a severe infection.
- have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a live vaccine during your treatment with SYLVANT.
- have or have had any stomach or bowel (intestine) problems, such as diverticulitis or ulcers. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain in your stomach area.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if SYLVANT will harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant while receiving treatment with SYLVANT. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with SYLVANT and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SYLVANT passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take SYLVANT or breastfeed. You should not do both.Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of SYLVANT?
SYLVANT may cause serious side effects, including:
- Infections. SYLVANT may lower your ability to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs or symptoms of an infection during treatment with SYLVANT.
- Infusion and allergic reactions. If you have an infusion or allergic reaction while receiving SYLVANT, your healthcare provider will stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion or allergic reaction, your healthcare provider may stop your treatment completely. Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your infusion of SYLVANT: back pain, chest pain or tightness, nausea and vomiting, flushing, redness, irregular heart beat (palpitations), trouble breathing, wheezing, dizziness or light-headedness, swelling of the lips, skin rash, headache, or itching.
- The most common side effects of SYLVANT include rash, itching, upper respiratory tract infection, swelling, weight gain, and increased blood level of uric acid.
These are not all the possible side effects of SYLVANT. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.
SYLVANT® (siltuximab) for injection, for intravenous use, is available as 100 mg or 400 mg of lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.
