WARNING

Taking Anakinra carries several risks, including:

• Infections: Increased risk of infections like respiratory and urinary tract infections.
• Allergic Reactions: Possible severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.
• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Blood Cell Changes: Potential effects on blood cell counts, leading to conditions like anemia or low white blood cells.
• Liver and Kidney Issues: Possible effects on liver and kidney function.

It’s important to monitor for these risks and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Anakinra is prescribed primarily for its role in treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Here are some of its main uses:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anakinra is used to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults who haven’t responded well to other treatments. It helps to decrease inflammation and pain.
• Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: In children with this form of arthritis, Anakinra helps to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS): Anakinra is also used to treat certain rare genetic conditions like CAPS, which cause recurring fevers and inflammation.

The drug works by blocking the action of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a protein involved in inflammation and immune responses. This helps to reduce inflammation and the symptoms associated with these conditions.

How should this medicine be used?

Anakinra is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Here’s a general guide on how it should be used:

• Dosage and Administration:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Typically, the dosage is 100 mg injected once daily.
  • Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The dosage is usually based on the child’s weight, with a common range being 1 to 2 mg/kg/day.
  • Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes: The dosage can vary based on the specific condition and response.
• Injection Site:
  • Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation. Common sites include the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
• Preparation:
  • Wash your hands before preparing the injection.
  • Inspect the vial or prefilled syringe for any particles or discoloration. It should be clear and colorless.
  • If using a vial, draw the correct dose into the syringe according to the instructions.
• Injection Technique:
  • Clean the injection site with alcohol.
  • Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle.
  • Inject the medication slowly and steadily.
  • Withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the injection site to minimize bleeding.
• Storage:
  • Store Anakinra in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). It should not be frozen.
  • Do not use the medication if it has been frozen or if the vial or syringe appears damaged.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of used syringes and needles in a proper sharps disposal container.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or those included with the medication. If you have any questions or concerns about using Anakinra, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to treating rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), Anakinra may be used off-label for other conditions. These include:

• Kawasaki Disease: Some research suggests that Anakinra may help reduce inflammation in patients with Kawasaki disease, although it is not a standard treatment.
• Gout: There is evidence that Anakinra can help manage acute gout attacks due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
• Post-COVID-19 Inflammatory Conditions: In certain cases, Anakinra has been investigated for treating severe inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patients, though it is not yet standard practice.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Anakinra:

• Infections: Anakinra may increase the risk of infections. Be cautious and inform your healthcare provider if you have an active infection or if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or persistent cough.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Before starting Anakinra, your doctor may test for TB, as the medication can increase the risk of reactivating latent TB.
• Allergic Reactions: Watch for signs of severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Kidney or Liver Function: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, as Anakinra may affect these organs. Regular monitoring might be required.
• Blood Disorders: If you have a history of blood disorders, discuss this with your doctor. Anakinra can sometimes affect blood cell counts.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Anakinra during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Vaccinations: Live vaccines should generally be avoided while on Anakinra. Consult your healthcare provider before getting any vaccinations.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications and supplements you are taking, as there may be potential interactions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Anakinra. However, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help support overall health and potentially minimize side effects.
• If you have specific dietary concerns or conditions that could affect your treatment, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• For Daily Doses: Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• For Other Dosing Schedules: Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or those included with the medication.
• Contact Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure about what to do after missing a dose, or if you miss multiple doses, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Anakinra can cause a range of side effects. Common and serious side effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
• Headache: Some people experience headaches while on Anakinra.
• Flu-like Symptoms: Symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches can occur.
• Nausea: Some individuals may feel nauseous.

Serious Side Effects:

• Infections: Increased risk of infections such as respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. Symptoms might include fever, cough, or painful urination.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions can occur, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Low Blood Cell Counts: Anakinra may affect blood cell counts, leading to conditions like anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). Symptoms might include unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs of infection.
• Liver Enzyme Changes: Elevated liver enzymes can occur, which might indicate liver problems. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or dark urine.
• Kidney Issues: Although rare, there may be effects on kidney function, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions
• Monitor Symptoms: Regularly check for any side effects and report them to your healthcare provider.
• Seek Immediate Help: Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions or symptoms of serious infections.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance related to Anakinra and its potential side effects.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Anakinra:

Storage:

• Store Anakinra in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from light.
• Do not use Anakinra past its expiration date. Dispose of any expired or unused medication properly.

Disposal:

• Dispose of used syringes and needles in a designated sharps disposal container.
• Follow local regulations for the disposal of unused medications. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs for proper disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact Emergency Services: Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Provide Information: Be prepared to provide details about the amount of Anagrelide taken, the time of ingestion, and any symptoms experienced.
• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms may include severe headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or bleeding problems.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: If you are on Anakinra or Anagrelide, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider may be necessary to monitor your response to treatment and check for side effects.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, as drug interactions can affect the efficacy and safety of your treatment.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support your overall health while on these medications.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Always inform any new healthcare providers that you are taking Anakinra or Anagrelide, as this can impact treatment decisions and management.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about your medications, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.