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Overview: Siliq is used to treat plaque psoriasis. It works by reducing inflammation and preventing your immune system from attacking healthy tissues by mistake. Common side effects include joint pain, headaches, and tiredness. Serious side effects are rare, but include suicidal thoughts and actions, infections, serious skin reactions, and Crohn’s disease.

Uses

What is Siliq used for?

Siliq (brodalumab) is commonly used to treat certain types of plaque psoriasis, which is a type of skin condition that causes rashes and skin patches.

Siliq may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Siliq work (mechanism of action)?

Siliq works by reducing inflammation and preventing your immune system from attacking healthy tissues by mistake.

How is Siliq supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Siliq

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 210 mg/1.5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe

How should I store Siliq?

Siliq should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Siliq prefilled syringes can be stored for up to 14 days at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C). Once it has reached room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. Keep Siliq in its original container to protect it from light and damage. Do not freeze or shake Siliq.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Siliq?

The most common side effects of Siliq are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Joint pain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth or throat pain
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site (where the needle went in)
  • Flu
  • Low neutrophil levels (neutropenia)
  • Ringworm (tinea), which is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails

There may be other side effects of Siliq that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Siliq?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Siliq are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Siliq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Siliq and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hivesthat can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Siliq may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Infections. Siliq can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a "latent" microbe. Siliq may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Siliq, tell your health care provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB) or any other serious infections.

Severe Skin Reactions. Siliq can cause severe skin reactions that look like eczema. They can start right away after your first dose of Siliq, or they can happen months later. Your health care provider may pause or stop your treatment if you have a severe skin reaction. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Skin redness, skin discoloration, itching, or rash
  • Dry skin or skin that feels like leather
  • Blisters on your hands or feet
  • Small bumps or patches on your skin
  • Skin peeling

Crohn’s Disease. Siliq can cause worsening or new cases of Crohn’s disease, which is a condition that causes inflammation in your intestines. It can be serious. Tell your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Severe stomach cramps or pain
  • Diarrhea that won’t go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Siliq?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Siliq.

  • Brodalumab
  • Siliq
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Siliq.

Crohn’s Disease. People who have Crohn’s disease, which is a condition that causes inflammation in your intestines, should not take Siliq.

What should I know about Siliq before using it?

Do not use Siliq unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Siliq with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Siliq out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special care to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Siliq. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Siliq is only available through a special program, from certain pharmacies, and to certain people. It is important that you keep all of your appointments while taking Siliq. If you have any questions about this program, you can go to www.siliqrems.com or call 855-511-6135.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Siliq?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Siliq is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Siliq. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of mental health problems, such as suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or mood problems
  • An infection that keeps coming back or won’t go away
  • Tuberculosis, or you have been near someone who has tuberculosis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Siliq may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Siliq, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Siliq could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Siliq passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Siliq?

For more information about Siliq, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.siliq.com or call them at 800-321-4576.

Interactions

Does Siliq interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Siliq and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Siliq.

Does Siliq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Siliq interacts with some other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Siliq may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

For a more complete list of medicines that can interact with Siliq, check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Siliq?

If you or someone else has used too much Siliq, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Siliq?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.