Kineret (Anakinra) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Kineret

Arthritis »

What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.

Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many types of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudogout), hereditary facto...

Read the Arthritis article »

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Kineret Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ANAKINRA - INJECTION

(an-a-KIN-ra)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kineret

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to slow joint damage and reduces the joint pain/swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis so that you can move better. 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 joint pain/swelling/stiffness.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using anakinra and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are giving the shots yourself, you will be trained by a health care professional on how to properly prepare and inject this product. If any of the information is unclear, consult your health care professional.

This medication is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once a day or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Let the medication warm to room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes before injecting it.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin. Do not inject this medication in an area that is tender, red, bruised, or hard or which has scars or stretch marks.

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

Do not reuse the syringe. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 4 weeks or if it worsens.