Kineret (Anakinra) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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 Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Kineret

Generic Name: anakinra (injectable) (Pronunciation: an na KIN rah)

What is anakinra (Kineret)?

Anakinra reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that are involved in inflammatory and immune responses.

Anakinra is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more antirheumatic drugs. Anakinra may be used in combination with other antirheumatic medications.

Anakinra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of anakinra (Kineret)?

If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using anakinra, and seek emergency medical attention.

In rare cases, people receiving anakinra have developed serious infections. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, flu-like symptoms, or any other sign of infection.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use anakinra and notify your doctor if you experience

nausea or diarrhea;
a headache;
sinus irritation or infection; or
redness, bruising, pain, or swelling at the injection site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

In rare cases, people receiving anakinra have developed serious infections. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, flu-like symptoms, or any other sign of infection. Treatment with anakinra should not be started in patients with active infections or those taking other medicines that may suppress the immune system. The use of anakinra in combination with etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), or other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may also increase the risk of a serious infection.

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