anakinra (injectable) Health Article

Generic name(s):

anakinra (injectable)

Brand name(s):

anakinra, Kineret

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.

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.

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. Do not use anakinra without first talking to your doctor if you

• are currently taking etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), or adalimumab (Humira) to treat rheumatoid arthritis;

• have an active infection or a history of recurrent infection;

• have recently been exposed to varicella (chickenpox) virus;

• have a bone marrow disease;

• have a suppressed immune system due to a medical condition or treatment with medication;

• have recently received a live vaccine; or

• have kidney disease.

You may not be able to use anakinra, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Anakinra is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use anakinra without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether anakinra passes into breast milk. Do not use anakinra without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The safety and effectiveness of anakinra have not been established for pediatric patients.