The USFDA has approved rilonacept as the first injectable drug for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in adults and children above 12 years of age. Rilonacept has received the orphan drug designation for the management of sharp chest pain experienced by patients in this condition especially while taking a deep breath. The efficacy and safety was reported through a randomized, double-blind study (Figure 1). After stopping the treatment temporarily, it was found that only 7% of the patients in the treatment group had a recurrence, as compared to 74% patients in the placebo group.
Figure 1. Details of the study that demonstrates the efficacy and safety of rilonacept. However, it should be carefully assessed whether patients have active or chronic infections during rilonacept consumption as it can exaggerate the infection and lead to a life-threatening condition. It is also…
