What is anakinra?
Anakinra reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that are involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Anakinra is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more antirheumatic drugs. Anakinra may be used in combination with other antirheumatic medications. Anakinra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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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
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nausea or diarrhea;
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a headache;
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sinus irritation or infection; or
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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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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.
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What is the most important information I should know about anakinra?
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. Treatment with anakinra should not be started in patients with active infections or those taking other medicines that may suppress the immune system. The use of anakinra in combination with etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), or other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may also increase the risk of a serious infection.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Notify your healthcare provider if you miss a dose of this medication.
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What other drugs will affect anakinra?
Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with anakinra without first talking to your doctor. Administration of a live vaccine may result in an inadequate immune response or infection. Before using anakinra, talk to your doctor if you are taking etanercept (Enbrel); infliximab (Remicade); adalimumab (Humira); or a medicine that may decrease the effects of the immune system. You may not be able to use anakinra, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Anakinra has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Anakinra is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
There are no data on the excretion of anakinra into human milk.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli-derived proteins, anakinra, or any ingredient in the formulation.
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What does my medication look like?
Anakinra is available with a prescription under the brand name Kineret. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Kineret 100 mg--prefilled glass syringe with 27 gauge needle (0.67 mL)
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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.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using anakinra?
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. Treatment with anakinra should not be started in patients with active infections or those taking other medicines that may suppress the immune system. The use of anakinra in combination with etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), or other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may also increase the risk of a serious infection.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
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