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|Kineret

Kineret

Generic name: Anakinra
Brand names: Kineret

Why is Kineret prescribed?

Kineret is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is usually prescribed after other antirheumatic drugs have failed to make an improvement. Kineret can be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.

Kineret works by blocking the effects of interleukin-1, an inflammatory compound released by the immune system. While fighting inflammation, Kineret may also affect the immune system"s ability to fight infection.

Most important fact about Kineret

Because of Kineret"s potential impact on immunity, make sure the doctor knows if you have a condition that weakens your immune system. If you develop an infection while taking Kineret, notify your doctor immediately.

How should you take Kineret?

Kineret is taken as an injection beneath the skin. Take it at the same time each day. Follow your doctor"s instructions on how to administer Kineret. Inspect the medication in the syringe before administering it. If the Kineret solution is discolored or has particles in it, do not use the medication.

Do not save any unused portion of the medication. Do not use any medication that is beyond the expiration date. Dispose of the used needles in a puncture-resistant container. Never reuse a needle or syringe.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Do not use Kineret beyond the expiration date shown on the carton. Store Kineret in a refrigerator (but not in the freezer) and protect from light. Do not shake.

What side effects may occur?

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

The most common side effect of Kineret is a reaction at the injection site, including redness, swelling, inflammation, and pain. These reactions usually disappear after the first month.

• Other side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, bone and joint infections, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, serious infections such as cellulitis and pneumonia, sinus inflammation, upper respiratory infections

Why should Kineret not be prescribed?

You should not take Kineret if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Kineret.

Special warnings about Kineret

Because of Kineret"s effect on the immune system, it has not been tested in people with immune disorders or chronic infections. Do not start taking Kineret while you have an infection. Stop taking it and contact your doctor if you develop an infection. People with asthma have a higher risk of infection while using Kineret. Older adults are more prone to infections, and should use Kineret with caution.

Do not take a live vaccine while using Kineret; it"s possible that you could contract the disease, although there"s no evidence of this happening to date. It"s also possible that Kineret could render any vaccination--live or killed--ineffective.

Use Kineret with caution if you have kidney disease. This condition makes a reaction to the drug more likely.

Kineret has not been tested in children under 18.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Kineret

Arthritis drugs classified as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents increase the risk of infection just as Kineret does, and taking the two types of drug together further increases the risk. Therefore, combining Kineret and a TNF-blocking agent is not recommended. TNF-blocking agents include:

Infliximab (Remicade)
Etanercept (Enbrel)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Kineret during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Kineret should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether Kineret appears in breast milk. Use the drug with caution while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The dosage is one pre-filled, 100-milligram syringe each day. Higher doses have no greater effect.

If you suffer from kidney problems, your doctor will lower the dose to 100 milligrams every other day.

Overdosage

Kineret overdose has produced no serious reactions. However any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.