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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Anakinra ( an-a-KIN-rah) is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It may relieve redness, pain, tenderness, and warmth in hands, feet, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. This medicine is used in patients 18 years of age or older. Anakinra will not cure the disease, but will help with the symptoms as long as you continue to take it.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For anakinra, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to anakinra. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, latex, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Anakinra has not been studied in pregnant women. However, anakinra has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.
Breast-feeding— It is not known whether anakinra passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of anakinra in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults—This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking anakinra, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:
Your health care professional will teach you or your caregiver how to give the injection. You must demonstrate the procedure so that your health care professional knows you understand. Before taking the injection, check the medicine to make sure it is clear and doesn't have any particles in it. If it looks cloudy or discolored, or has any particles floating in it, you should throw it away. Do not shake the syringe. Give the entire dose and then throw away the syringe. Your health care professional will tell you how to dispose of your syringes. Do not reuse syringes. Do not keep part of a dose for later use. Take the medicine at the same time each day. If you have questions or problems with the procedure, call your health care professional.
Dosing—
Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Your body's ability to fight infection may be reduced while you are being treated with anakinra, it is very important that you call your doctor at the first signs of any infection (for example, if you get a fever or chills).
While you are being treated with anakinra, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Copyright© 2003 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |