Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ANAKINRA - INJECTABLE (an-a-KIN-ra)
BRAND NAME(S): Kineret
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Anakinra may put your body at an increased risk for serious infections. This drug is not recommended if you currently have an infection or an infection-related illness (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis). Tell your doctor if you currently have, or if you develop any symptoms of an infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, productive cough (e.g., sputum-producing), or unusual weakness. The risk of developing serious infections is even greater if you are also using a tumor necrosis factor drug such as etanercept. Check with your doctor before starting this drug if you are currently receiving etanercept.
USES: Anakinra is a protein medication used, either alone or in combination with other medications, to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (e.g., pain, swelling). It is recommended in patients who have not responded well to other rheumatoid arthritis drugs (e.g., methotrexate, sulfasalazine). Anakinra is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Anakinra is not recommended for other types of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis).
HOW TO USE: Learn how to prepare and inject this drug and review the Anakinra Patient Information Leaflet with your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously-SC) usually once daily; or as directed by your doctor. It is important to try to give this medication about the same time each day. Do not shake the syringe. Doing so may make this medication ineffective. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
- Juvenile Arthritis (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) - Read about juvenile arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, JRA) symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, types (systemic-onset, pauciarticular, polyarticular) and causes.
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