Perfect Timing for Canakinumab Use in Gout

Abstract

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of monosodium
urate (MSU) crystals. Recently, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
has recommended the usage of interleukin (IL)-1 inhibitor in gout patients
who are refractory to typical anti-inflammatory drugs. An example of IL-1
inhibitor is canakinumab. Not much is known regarding the usage of
canakinumab in gout arthritis. Thus, we decided to conduct a narrative
review that summarizes the efficacy and safety of canakinumab in gout
patients. In this review, we found that canakinumab is superior to nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids in treating
acute gout flares. In addition, canakinumab may also be considered as a
preventive therapy for gout flares in patients receiving urate-lowering
therapy. Overall, canakinumab has mild side effects but may occasionally
cause serious infections. Canakinumab is also generally safe for use during
pregnancy. Due to the lack of studies, the safety of canakinumab in lactating
women, geriatric patients, and patients with hepatic or renal impairment is
still unknown.