Kineret

Generic Name: Anakinra (rbe)
Product Name: Kineret

Indication

Anakinra is used for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have had inadequate response to 1 or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is often used in combination with another anti-rheumatic such as methotrexate.

Action

Interleukin-1 is a substance produced by the body in response to inflammation and autoimmune processes such as rheumatoid arthritis. Anakinra blocks the activity of interleukin-1 and in doing so helps to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dose advice

– Treatment should be supervised and monitored by a rheumatologist experienced in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.- The recommended dose of Anakinra is 100 mg/day by subcutaneous injection. – The dose should be administered at approximately the same time every day. – Alternating injection sites is recommended to avoid discomfort at the site of injection.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

In clinical trials the majority of side effects to Anakinra were mild to moderate in severity, and ceased once the drug was stopped.The most common adverse effects noted in trials included:- injection site reactions: redness, itchiness, pain or swelling at the site lasting from 2-4 weeks.- nausea- diarrhoea- headache- sinusitis

Uncommon side effects

– fever- development of auto-immune antibodies- development of blood abnormalities (such as reduced numbers of platelets, which can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising)- serious allergic reactions- serious infections

For further information talk to your doctor.