anakinra Subcutaneous

an-a-KIN-ra

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Kineret

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Immunological Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Interleukin-1 Inhibitor

Uses For anakinra

Anakinra is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It may relieve redness, pain, tenderness, and warmth in hands, feet, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. anakinra is used in patients 18 years of age or older. Anakinra will not cure the disease, but will help with the symptoms as long as you continue to take it.

anakinra is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using anakinra

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For anakinra, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to anakinra or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on anakinra have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of anakinra in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

anakinra has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking anakinra, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using anakinra with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Abatacept


• Adalimumab


• Certolizumab Pegol


• Etanercept


• Golimumab


• Infliximab


• Rilonacept

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of anakinra. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Active infections—May be worsened by anakinra

• Asthma—Patients with asthma may be at higher risk of getting a serious infection when taking anakinra.

• Immunosuppression—Anakinra has not been studied in patients who have immune system problems. The effects of the medicine in these patients is not known

• Kidney disease—Higher blood levels of anakinra may occur

Proper Use of anakinra

Your health care professional will teach you or your caregiver how to give the injection. You must demonstrate the procedure so that your health care professional knows you understand. Before taking the injection, check the medicine to make sure it is clear and doesn't have any particles in it. If it looks cloudy or discolored, or has any particles floating in it, you should throw it away. Do not shake the syringe. Give the entire dose and then throw away the syringe. Your health care professional will tell you how to dispose of your syringes. Do not reuse syringes. Do not keep part of a dose for later use. Take the medicine at the same time each day. If you have questions or problems with the procedure, call your health care professional.

Dosing

The dose of anakinra will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of anakinra. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For injection dosage form
  
  • For rheumatoid arthritis:
    
    • Adults—100 milligrams (mg) a day injected under the skin.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Anakinra is not usually recommended for use in children.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of anakinra, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using anakinra

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that anakinra is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Your body's ability to fight infection may be reduced while you are being treated with anakinra, it is very important that you call your doctor at the first signs of any infection (for example, if you get a fever or chills).

While you are being treated with anakinra, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval.

anakinra Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Chest pain


• cough


• diarrhea


• fever or chills


• general feeling of discomfort or illness


• headache


• itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness or warmth on skin


• joint pain


• loss of appetite


• muscle aches and pains


• nausea


• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones


• redness, bruising pain at the injection site


• runny nose


• shivering


• shortness of breath


• sneezing


• sore throat


• sweating


• tightness in chest


• trouble sleeping


• unusual tiredness or weakness


• vomiting


• wheezing

Less common or rare

• Black, sticky stools


• difficulty in swallowing


• itching


• lower back pain or side pain


• painful or difficult urination


• pale skin


• rash; hives; swelling of face or lips


• ulcers, sores or white spots in mouth


• unusual bruising or bleeding

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: anakinra Subcutaneous side effects (in more detail)

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More anakinra Subcutaneous resources

• Anakinra Subcutaneous Side Effects (in more detail)
• Anakinra Subcutaneous Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Anakinra Subcutaneous Drug Interactions
• Anakinra Subcutaneous Support Group
• 4 Reviews for Anakinra Subcutaneous - Add your own review/rating

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