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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

SILTUXIMAB: 472 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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472
Total FAERS Reports
89 (18.9%)
Deaths Reported
145
Hospitalizations
472
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
21
Life-Threatening
2
Disabilities
Recordati Rare Diseases, Inc.
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status

Drug Class: Interleukin-6 Antagonist [EPC] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Recordati Rare Diseases, Inc. · FDA Application: 125496 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 20070208 · Latest Report: 20250501

What Are the Most Common SILTUXIMAB Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Off label use
96 reports (20.3%)
#2 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
72 reports (15.3%)
#3 Most Reported
Disease progression
32 reports (6.8%)

All SILTUXIMAB Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Off label use 96 20.3% 27 27
Drug ineffective 72 15.3% 16 42
Disease progression 32 6.8% 17 5
Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome 28 5.9% 16 4
Death 27 5.7% 27 1
Cytokine release syndrome 26 5.5% 18 9
Hypertension 24 5.1% 2 18
Product use in unapproved indication 24 5.1% 9 5
Drug effective for unapproved indication 23 4.9% 0 0
Cataract 19 4.0% 0 17
Condition aggravated 19 4.0% 16 4
Cushingoid 17 3.6% 0 15
Fracture 17 3.6% 0 15
Hepatic steatosis 17 3.6% 0 15
Osteopenia 17 3.6% 0 15
Short stature 17 3.6% 0 15
Renal disorder 16 3.4% 0 16
Toxicity to various agents 16 3.4% 16 2
Weight increased 16 3.4% 2 3
Arthropathy 15 3.2% 0 15

Who Reports SILTUXIMAB Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 56.9% female, 43.1% male. Average age: 47.4 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is SILTUXIMAB Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2007 1 0 1
2011 3 0 2
2014 12 2 4
2015 9 0 3
2016 7 0 1
2017 13 2 4
2018 16 2 3
2019 21 2 4
2020 34 16 10
2021 22 4 12
2022 9 3 3
2023 22 0 6
2024 21 6 10
2025 7 1 5

View full timeline →

What Is SILTUXIMAB Used For?

IndicationReports
Castleman's disease 222
Cytokine release syndrome 72
Product used for unknown indication 72
Off label use 30
Still's disease 20
Plasma cell myeloma 16
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 13
Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome 12
Poems syndrome 8
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms 7

SILTUXIMAB vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

SILTUXIMAB vs SILVER SULFADIAZINE SILTUXIMAB vs SIMEPREVIR SILTUXIMAB vs SIMPONI SILTUXIMAB vs SIMVASTATIN SILTUXIMAB vs SINGULAIR SILTUXIMAB vs SINTILIMAB SILTUXIMAB vs SIPONIMOD SILTUXIMAB vs SIPULEUCEL-T SILTUXIMAB vs SIROLIMUS SILTUXIMAB vs SIRUKUMAB

Official FDA Label for SILTUXIMAB

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Siltuximab is a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds human interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is produced by Chinese hamster ovary cells. SYLVANT (siltuximab) for injection is supplied as a sterile, white, preservative free, lyophilized powder in single-dose vials. Each SYLVANT 100 mg single-dose vial contains 100 mg siltuximab, 3.7 mg L-histidine (from L-histidine and L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate), 0.8 mg polysorbate 80, and 169 mg sucrose. Each SYLVANT 400 mg single-dose vial contains 400 mg siltuximab, 14.9 mg L-histidine (from L-histidine and L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate), 3.2 mg polysorbate 80, and 677 mg sucrose. Following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP (per section 2.2), the resulting pH is approximately 5.2. The resulting solution contains 20 mg/mL siltuximab to be administered by intravenous infusion following dilution [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE SYLVANT is indicated for the treatment of patients with multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative. SYLVANT is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist indicated for the treatment of patients with multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use SYLVANT was not studied in patients with MCD who are HIV positive or HHV-8 positive because SYLVANT did not bind to virally produced IL-6 in a nonclinical study. Limitations of Use SYLVANT was not studied in patients with MCD who are HIV positive or HHV-8 positive because SYLVANT did not bind to virally produced IL-6 in a nonclinical study.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous infusion only. Administer as an 11 mg/kg dose given over 1 hour by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. ( 2 )

2.1 Recommended Dosage Administer SYLVANT 11 mg/kg over 1 hour as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks until treatment failure. Perform hematology laboratory tests prior to each dose of SYLVANT therapy for the first 12 months and every 3 dosing cycles thereafter. If treatment criteria outlined in Table 1 are not met, consider delaying treatment with SYLVANT. Do not reduce dose.

Table

1: Treatment Criteria Laboratory parameter Requirements before first SYLVANT administration Retreatment criteria Absolute Neutrophil Count ≥1.0 × 10 9 /L ≥1.0 × 10 9 /L Platelet count ≥75 × 10 9 /L ≥50 × 10 9 /L Hemoglobin SYLVANT may increase hemoglobin levels in MCD patients <17 g/dL <17 g/dL Do not administer SYLVANT to patients with severe infections until the infection resolves. Discontinue SYLVANT in patients with severe infusion related reactions, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions, or cytokine release syndromes. Do not reinstitute treatment.

2.2 Instructions for Preparation and Administration Use aseptic technique for reconstitution and preparation of dosing solution. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit 1. Calculate the dose (mg), total volume (mL) of reconstituted SYLVANT solution required and the number of vials needed. A 21-gauge 1½ inch needle is recommended for preparation. Infusion bags (250 mL) must contain Dextrose 5% in Water and must be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyolefin (PO), or polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE). Alternatively PE bottles may be used. 2. Allow the vial(s) of SYLVANT to come to room temperature over approximately 30 minutes. SYLVANT should remain at room temperature for the duration of the preparation. 3. Aseptically reconstitute each SYLVANT vial as instructed in Table 2.

Table

2: Reconstitution Instructions Strength Amount of Sterile Water for Injection, USP required for reconstitution Post-reconstitution concentration 100 mg vial 5.2 mL 20 mg/mL 400 mg vial 20 mL 20 mg/mL Gently swirl the reconstituted vials to aid the dissolution of the lyophilized powder. DO NOT SHAKE or SWIRL VIGOROUSLY. Do not remove the contents until all of the solids have been completely dissolved. The lyophilized powder should dissolve in less than 60 minutes. Once reconstituted, and prior to further dilution, inspect the vials for particulates and discoloration. Do not use if particles or solution discoloration are present or if visibly opaque. The reconstituted product should be kept for no more than two hours prior to addition into the infusion bag. 4. Dilute the reconstituted SYLVANT solution dose to 250 mL with sterile Dextrose 5% in Water by withdrawing a volume equal to the total calculated volume of reconstituted SYLVANT from the Dextrose 5% in Water, 250 mL bag. Slowly add the total calculated volume (mL) of reconstituted SYLVANT solution to the Dextrose 5% in Water infusion bag. Gently invert the bag to mix the solution. 5. Administer the diluted SYLVANT solution in 5% Dextrose in Water 250 mL by intravenous infusion over a period of 1 hour using administration sets lined with PVC, or polyurethane (PU), or PE, containing a 0.2-micron inline polyethersulfone (PES) filter. The infusion should be completed within 4 hours of the dilution of the reconstituted solution to the infusion bag. 6. Do not infuse SYLVANT concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents. 7. SYLVANT does not contain preservatives. Do not store any unused portion of the reconstituted product or of the infusion solution. Waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Contraindications

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to siltuximab or any of the excipients in SYLVANT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity, and drug hypersensitivity have been reported in patients treated with siltuximab. Severe hypersensitivity reaction to siltuximab or any of the excipients in SYLVANT. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Concurrent active severe infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infusion-related reactions and hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (>10% of patients) were rash, pruritus, upper respiratory tract infection, increased weight, and hyperuricemia. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Recordati Rare Diseases Inc., at 1-888-575-8344 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Study

1, in MCD, was an international, multicenter, randomized Phase 2 study of every 3 week infusions comparing SYLVANT and best supportive care (BSC) to placebo and BSC. There were 53 patients randomized to the SYLVANT arm at a dosage of 11 mg/kg and 26 patients randomized to the placebo arm. Of the 26 placebo-treated patients, 13 patients subsequently crossed-over to receive SYLVANT. The median age was 48 years (range 20 to 78), 66% male, 48% Asian, 39% White, 4% Black or African American, 7% other. The patients randomized to SYLVANT received a median of 19 infusions (range 1 to 50) compared to patients randomized to placebo who received a median of 8 infusions (range 2 to 32). To control for disparate exposure between arms, Table 3 reports the per patient incidence of adverse reactions that occurred during the first 8 infusions. Adverse reactions that occurred >3% in the SYLVANT arm are presented. The most common adverse reactions (> 10% compared to placebo) during treatment with SYLVANT in the MCD clinical trial were rash, pruritus, upper respiratory tract infection, increased weight, and hyperuricemia.

Table

3: Per Patient Incidence of Common Adverse Reactions in Study 1 During Initial 8 Infusions Body System/Adverse Reactions SYLVANT+BSC Best Supportive Care n=53 Placebo+BSC n=26 All Grades Grades 3-4 All Grades Grades 3-4 Skin disorders Rash (rash, rash generalized, rash maculo-papular, rash popular and rash pruritic) 15 (28%) 1 (2%) 3 (12%) 0 Pruritus 15 (28%) 0 2 (8%) 0 Skin hyperpigmentation 2 (4%) 0 0 0 Eczema 2 (4%) 0 0 0 Psoriasis 2 (4%) 0 0 0 Dry skin 2 (4%) 0 0 0 Infections Lower respiratory tract 4 (8%) 2 (4%) 1 (4%) 1 (4%) Upper respiratory tract 14 (26%) 1 (2%) 4 (15%) 1 (4%) Blood and lymphatic system disorders Thrombocytopenia 5 (9%) 2 (4%) 1 (4%) 1 (4%) General disorders Edema (general and localized) 14 (26%) 4 (8%) 7 (27%) 0 Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation 4 (8%) 0 1 (4%) 0 Metabolism Hypertriglyceridemia 4 (8%) 0 0 0 Hypercholesterolemia 2 (4%) 0 0 0 Hyperuricemia 6 (11%) 1 (2%) 0 0 Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Oropharyngeal pain 4 (8%) 0 1 (4%) 0 Renal and urinary disorders Renal impairment 4 (8%) 0 0 0 Nervous system disorders Headache 4 (8%) 0 1 (4%) 0 Investigations Weight increased 10 (19%) 1 (2%) 0 0 Vascular disorders Hypotension 2 (4%) 1 (2%) Anaphylactic reaction 0 0 Study CNTO328MCD2002 (referred to as Study 2) (NCT01400503) was an open label, long term extension study of patients with MCD treated on prior trials. The median duration of siltuximab treatment was 5.52 years (range: 0.8 to 10.8 years); more than 50% of patients received siltuximab treatment for ≥5 years. The rate of serious or Grade ≥3 adverse events did not increase over time as a function of cumulative exposure. Other important adverse reactions reported in MCD clinical studies, all of which were very common, were: Infections and infestations: nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection Blood and lymphatic system disorders: neutropenia Nervous system disorders: dizziness Vascular disorders: hypertension Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, mouth ulceration

6.2 Immunogenicity Immunogenicity data are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the test methods used. Additionally, the observed incidence of a positive result in a test method may be influenced by several factors, including sample handling, timing of sample collection, drug interference, concomitant medication and the underlying disease. Therefore, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to SYLVANT with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. The clinical significance of anti-siltuximab antibodies following treatment with SYLVANT is not known. The immunogenicity of siltuximab has been evaluated using antigen-bridging enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassay (ECLIA) methods. A total of 432 patients across the clinical studies were evaluated at multiple time points for anti-therapeutic antibody (ATA) responses to siltuximab after treatment with SYLVANT. Following SYLVANT dosing, 0/243 (0%) patients tested positive for anti-siltuximab antibodies by EIA and 4/189 (2%) patients tested positive by ECLIA. Further immunogenicity analyses were conducted for all positive samples from the 4 patients with detectable anti-siltuximab antibodies. None of these patients had neutralizing antibodies.

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Concurrent Active Severe Infections: Do not administer SYLVANT to patients with severe infections, monitor for infections, institute prompt treatment, and interrupt SYLVANT until resolution of infection. ( 2 , 5.1 ) Vaccinations: Do not administer live vaccines because IL-6 inhibition may interfere with the normal immune response to new antigens. ( 5.2 )

Infusion Related

Reactions: Administer SYLVANT in a setting that provides resuscitation equipment, medication, and personnel trained to provide resuscitation. ( 5.3 , 6.1 ) Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation: Promptly evaluate patients presenting with symptoms that may be associated or suggestive of GI perforation. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Concurrent Active Severe Infections Do not administer SYLVANT to patients with severe infections until the infection resolves. SYLVANT may mask signs and symptoms of acute inflammation including suppression of fever and of acute Phase reactants such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Monitor patients receiving SYLVANT closely for infections. Institute prompt anti-infective therapy and do not administer further SYLVANT until the infection resolves.

5.2 Vaccinations Do not administer live vaccines to patients or infants born to patients receiving SYLVANT because IL-6 inhibition may interfere with the normal immune response to new antigens <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]</span>.

5.3 Infusion Related Reactions and Hypersensitivity SYLVANT may cause infusion related reactions and anaphylaxis.

Approximately

945 patients have been treated with SYLVANT in clinical trials. Of these, one patient experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Data from 254 patients treated with SYLVANT monotherapy forms the basis of the safety evaluation of infusion related reactions. Infusion related reactions were reported in 5.1% of these patients. Two (0.8%) were Grade 3 or higher, and 1 (0.4%) was serious; none were fatal. Symptoms of infusion reactions consisted of back pain, chest pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting, flushing, erythema, and palpitations. In long-term treatment of MCD patients with siltuximab at the recommended dosage of 11 mg/kg every 3 weeks, infusion related reactions or hypersensitivity reactions occurred at a frequency of 6.3% (1.3% for severe reactions). Stop the infusion of SYLVANT if the patient develops signs of anaphylaxis. Discontinue further therapy with SYLVANT. Stop the infusion if the patient develops a mild to moderate infusion reaction. If the reaction resolves, the SYLVANT infusion may be restarted at a lower infusion rate. Consider medication with antihistamines, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids. Discontinue SYLVANT if the patient does not tolerate the infusion following these interventions [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. Administer SYLVANT in a setting that provides resuscitation equipment, medication, and personnel trained to provide resuscitation.

5.4 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation has been reported in clinical trials although not in MCD trials. Use with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for GI perforation. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with symptoms that may be associated or suggestive of GI perforation.

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS

7.1 Cytochrome P450 Substrates Cytochrome P450s in the liver are down regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines such as IL-6. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling in patients treated with SYLVANT may restore CYP450 activities to higher levels leading to increased metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates compared to metabolism prior to treatment with SYLVANT. Upon initiation or discontinuation of SYLVANT, in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, perform therapeutic monitoring of effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) as needed and adjust dose. The effect of SYLVANT on CYP450 enzyme activity can persist for several weeks after stopping therapy. Exercise caution when SYLVANT is co-administered with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where a decrease in effectiveness would be undesirable (e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin).