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Anakinra

Pronounced

"an-a-KIN-ra"

Common brand names:

Kineret

Uses

Anakinra is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to slow joint damage and reduces the joint pain/swelling so that you can move better. It is also used to treat a certain group of inherited disorders called cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID). It helps to improve symptoms of NOMID such as fever, rash, joint pain, vomiting, and headache. Anakinra may also be used to treat another condition called Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA), a condition where your body does not produce the natural protein interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Anakinra is a man-made form of a natural protein (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) made by the body. It helps to block the effects of another protein (interleukin-1) which can cause symptoms such as joint pain/swelling/stiffness.

The FDA is allowing the emergency use of anakinra to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients with pneumonia and who also need supplemental oxygen. If anakinra is used to treat coronavirus disease, more information about the drug is available from the patient information sheet provided by your health care professional.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for a certain type of rheumatoid arthritis in children (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis) or gout.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using anakinra and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Take the medication out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, red, bruised, or hard or which has scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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