Like all medications, taking anifrolumab carries some risk of side effects, which must be balanced with the potential benefits. In general, the risk of joint damage and permanent disability (resulting from arthritis) is much greater than the risks of side effects from anifrolumab. When monitored properly the vast majority of side effects are rare, most improve over time and are reversible.
Infusion-related reactions occur during the infusion and are mild or moderate in intensity, the most common symptoms were headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.
As with all DMARD and biologic medications, anifrolumab can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and increase your risk of infections. You should take precautions to minimize your risk of being infected by common contagious infections such as COVID-19, influenzae, pneumonia, and the common cold.
The most commonly reported side effect with anifrolumab is joint pain, or pain in arms or legs as well as symptoms of a cold (sore throat, stuffy nose). Infusion reactions with anifrolumab can occur including reaction (redness, pain, and itching) at the injection site. Other commonly reported symptoms include eczema and oral thrush. Talk to your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms affect you severely.
When monitored properly, the vast majority of side effects are rare, most improve over time and are reversible.
Anifrolumab can increase your risk of infections. You should take precautions to minimize your risk of being infected by common contagious infections such as COVID-19, influenzae, pneumonia, and the common cold.
Anifrolumab can in rare cases cause an allergic reaction during the infusion (flushing, itching, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, etc.). A healthcare professional will monitor for this reaction during the infusion.
In rare cases, people experience neck pain, weakness and fatigue. If this becomes severe, please consult your healthcare provider.
Before starting this medication, you will likely be tested for inactive (“latent”) tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B because anifrolumab can dampen the immune system and cause these infections to become active. If TB or hepatitis is found, it will need to be treated before you start anifrolumab.
Rarely anifrolumab can cause a serious allergic reaction (feeling faint, swelling of the face, eyelids, tongue, lips, mouth or throat, trouble breathing, chest tightness). If you have troublesome symptoms talk to your healthcare provider.