anakinra (Kineret): Arthritis Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is anakinra?

Anakinra (Kineret) is a synthetic (man-made), injectable,
interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of human
interleukin-1. It is used in the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis.

Is anakinra available as a generic drug?

No

Why is anakinra prescribed to patients?

Anakinra is used for treating the signs and symptoms of
moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in individuals 18 years of age or older.
It is not a first-line drug but is used in individuals who have failed at least
one of the other disease-modifying drugs that are used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis. It can be used alone or in combination with other agents, but it
should not be used with drugs that block tumor necrosis factor alpha such as
infliximab
(Enbrel) and
etanercept (Remicade). (See drug interactions.)

Anakinra also is for used for treatment of neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory
disease (NOMID) due to cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS).

The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints.
See Answer

What are the side effects of anakinra?

The most common side effects are reactions at the site of
injection, for example, redness, swelling and pain.

Other minor side effects
include:

• headache,
• flu-like symptoms,
• diarrhea and
• nausea.

The most serious side effects are an increase in infections and a
decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia)
and platelets.

Anakinra should not be started in individuals with active
infections.

Infections occur more frequently when anakinra is used in
combination with drugs that block tumor necrosis factor.

What is the dosage for anakinra?

• The dose of anakinra for rheumatoid arthritis is one subcutaneous
  injection of 100 mg daily. The dose should be administered at approximately the
  same time every day.
• The dose for treating neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID)
  is 1-2 mg/kg daily up to a maximum dose of 8 mg/kg.

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Which drugs or supplements interact with anakinra?

Anakinra should not be combined with drugs that block
tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. Combining anakinra with drugs that block
tumor necrosis factor such as
infliximab (Enbrel)
and etanercept (Remicade)
or other drugs that reduce function of the immune system increases the risk of
serious infections.

Is anakinra safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Anakinra has not been studied in pregnant women.

It is not known if anakinra is excreted in the breast milk of females who are nursing.

What else should I know about anakinra?

What preparations of anakinra are available?

Pre-filled syringes, 100 mg

How should I keep anakinra stored?

Anakinra should be kept refrigerated at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F)

How does anakinra work?

Anakinra blocks the effects of human
interleukin-1, and is used in the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis. IL-1 is a protein that is produced by many cells in the body. It
is found in increased amounts within joints that are inflamed by
arthritis. IL-1
attaches to receptors on the tissues within and surrounding the joints as well
as on the cells that are responsible for inflammation, for example, white blood
cells. The attachment of IL-1 activates the cells to release enzymes that
promote inflammation. The enzymes destroy the cartilage and bone and contribute
to pain and swelling of the joints. Anakinra attaches to the IL-1 receptor and
prevents IL-1 from attaching to the receptor. Thus, the inflammatory and
enzyme-releasing effects of IL-1 are prevented and pain and swelling of the
joints are reduced.

When was anakinra approved by the FDA?

Anakinra was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2001.