How should I use anakinra?
Use anakinra exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Anakinra is used as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection only. Your doctor or nurse will
give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject anakinra. Do not inject this medication if you
are unsure how.
Anakinra is usually injected once a day. The dose should be injected at approximately the same
time every day.
The medication may be allowed to reach room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator
about 60 to 90 minutes before administration. This may reduce discomfort during or following the
injection.
The medication can be injected into the outer thighs, stomach, back of the upper arms, or
buttocks. Rotate the injection site daily to reduce the possibility of soreness or redness. The area of the
body being injected does not need to change daily, however each injection site should be at least one
inch from the previous day's injection site.
Do not inject anakinra if it is discolored, cloudy, or if it has particles in it. Do not shake the
prefilled syringe and do not use anakinra beyond the expiration date shown on the carton. If the solution
appears foamy, allow it to sit for a few minutes until it clears.
This medication does not contain a preservative. Therefore, throw away any medication
remaining in the syringe after a dose. Do not save the medication for later use.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate,
puncture-resistant disposal container.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment
with anakinra to monitor progress and side effects.
Anakinra should be used on a regular basis to get the most benefit.
Store anakinra in the refrigerator (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit/2 to 8 degrees Celsius)
away from moisture, heat and light. Do not allow anakinra to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Notify your healthcare provider if you miss a dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Serious or life-threatening side effects are unlikely to occur from an overdose of anakinra.
Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if an overdose of anakinra is suspected.
What should I avoid while using anakinra?
Anakinra has been associated with an increased incidence of infection. Avoid contact with
people who have
colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses [e.g., varicella (chickenpox) and others]
and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral
polio vaccine) during
treatment with anakinra. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated
with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
What are the possible side effects of anakinra?
If you experience an
allergic reaction (
difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
your lips, tongue, or face; or
hives), stop using anakinra, and seek emergency medical attention.
In rare cases, people receiving anakinra have developed serious infections. Notify your
doctor immediately if you develop a fever, flu-like symptoms, or any other sign of infection.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use anakinra and notify
your doctor if you experience
-
nausea or diarrhea;
-
a headache;
-
sinus irritation or infection; or
-
redness, bruising, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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