...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!
Anakinra Side Effects: This medication is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is in a class of medications called interleukin antagonists. It works by blocking the activity of interleukin, a protein in the body that causes joint damage.
Side Effects:
redness, swelling, bruising, or pain at the site of injection
headache
upset stomach
diarrhea
runny nose
stomach pain
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
rash
flu-like symptoms
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
coughing, wheezing, or chest pain
hot, red, swollen area on the skin
WARNING 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 Anakinra 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.
FOOD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS WHEN TAKING ANAKINRA 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 INSTRUCTIONS 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.
