Anakinra

 

What is Anakinra?

Anakinra is a targeted disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to reduce inflammation produced by the body. In certain diseases the immune system is over active, this can target healthy tissues such as joints. Anakinra works on the inflammatory pathway to target a protein called IL-1, thereby reducing the symptoms you get from inflammation such as arthritis and reduces the chance of further damage to the joints and organs.

 

What is Anakinra used for?

Anakinra is used for the treatments of inflammatory diseases such as:

 

How is it taken?

Anakinra is given as an injection into the layer of fat between the skin and muscle. This is called a subcutaneous injection and is usually given into the thigh or abdomen. It can be given alone or in combination with other DMARDs such as methotrexate.

The injection device is available as a prefilled syringe. It should be stored in the fridge at home.

 

The dose is dependent on the underlying disease that is being treated. For rheumatoid arthritis the dose is a 100mg injection each day. For Adult onset Stills disease, the daily dose is based on your weight.

 

It can take up to 12 weeks to have an effect. You will be seen in clinic at around this point to see how you are getting along.

 

When you first start taking it you will need your bloods monitored. This is done every month for the first 6 months. If they are satisfactory, this is then dropped down to every 3 months. This can be combined with your blood monitoring if you are on other medications.

 

Side effects

There are a few possible side effects that can occur in a small number of people that take anakinra, these include:

 

 

Cautions of use

Interactions with other medications

Contraindications of other conditions

Operations

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Alcohol

Vaccinations