Kineret

Generic name: Anakinra

What is Kineret?

Kineret is used to reduce the signs and symptoms and to slow down the progression of structural damage that happens in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Kineret is only for adults (≥18 years) who have taken other medicines for their RA that have not worked. Kineret can be taken alone, or along with other RA medicines other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents.

What is the most important information I should know about Kineret?

Kineret can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections, possibly increasing your risk of getting an infection or making any infection you have worse. Serious infections have occurred in patients taking Kineret. During treatment with Kineret, call your doctor right away if you experience any sign of an infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough (sputum-producing), unusual weakness, or open sores on your body.

You could also have an increased risk of getting a serious infection if you take Kineret with other medicines that affect the immune system, such as adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab. It is recommended that you do not take these medications while taking Kineret.

It may take up to 12 weeks to see an improvement in your RA symptoms. The time it takes to see improvement in symptoms varies from person to person.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Kineret.

Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (such as measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Kineret.

Let your doctor know if you have an allergy to rubber or latex because the needle cover on the Kineret prefilled syringe contains latex.

Who should not take Kineret?

You should not take Kineret if you are taking other medications known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking agents. Taking these medications along with Kineret may greatly increase your risk of getting a serious infection because both of these drugs affect your immune system.

Do not take Kineret if are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients. Also, do not take Kineret if you have an allergy to proteins made from bacterial cells (E. coli). Ask your doctor if you are not sure.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Kineret?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Kineret. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have asthma or are taking other medications that affect the immune system. Before starting Kineret, tell your doctor if you think you have an infection, are being treated for an infection, have infections that keep coming back, or have signs of an infection. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you have an allergy to rubber or latex. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dose of Kineret is 100 milligrams (mg) taken as an injection under the skin once daily.

Kidney impairment or failure: In patients with severe kidney impairment and end-stage kidney disease (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), a dose of 100 mg administered every other day should be considered. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems.

How should I take Kineret?

Kineret is taken by injection under the skin. Your doctor will instruct you on how to properly inject Kineret and the correct way to dispose of used syringes. Pain during or after injection can be lessened by using different injection locations, such as the stomach; by allowing the solution to warm to room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes before injecting; and by applying a cold pack on the injection site a few minutes before injection, and allowing the injection site to dry before injection.

You should take your Kineret injection at about the same time each day. There are 7 syringes in a box, one for each day of the week.

Do not inject Kineret into an area that is tender, red, bruised, or hard. Avoid areas with scars or stretch marks. Do not inject close to a vein that you can see under the surface of your skin.

If Kineret contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.

What should I avoid while taking Kineret?

Try to avoid anything that increases your risk of getting an infection while you are taking Kineret. The syringes should never be reused. Also, never recap a needle.

Do not handle the needle cover if you are allergic to latex.

Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Kineret. Check with your doctor before having any vaccinations while you are using Kineret.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Kineret?

If Kineret is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before being vaccinated with a live vaccine or before combining Kineret with other medicines that affect the immune system, such as the following TNF-blocking agents: adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab

What are the possible side effects of Kineret?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, joint pain, nausea, sinus inflammation, upper respiratory infections, worsening of RA

The most common side effect with Kineret is an injection site reaction, which may cause bruising, itching, redness, stinging, or swelling. Most reactions are mild and last 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes, people taking Kineret may also get allergic reactions. If you develop a severe rash, swollen face, or have difficulty breathing while taking Kineret, you should call your doctor or seek emergency help immediately.

Can I receive Kineret if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Kineret during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Kineret?

If you miss a dose of Kineret, contact your doctor to find out when to take your next injection.

How should I store Kineret?

Store Kineret in its original carton in the refrigerator, at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze or shake Kineret. Keep Kineret away from light. When you are traveling, make sure to store Kineret at the correct temperature. Do not save any unused portion of the medication and do not use any expired medication.