Drugs & Vitamins

Kineret Active Ingredients: Anakinra Representative Names: Kineret What is anakinra injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with anakinra? What side effects may I notice from receiving anakinra? What should I watch for while taking anakinra? Where can I keep my medicine? What is anakinra injection? (Back to top) ANAKINRA (Kineret®) is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Anakinra is often given in combination with other agents such as corticosteroids (examples: dexamethasone or prednisone), anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, or other drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Generic anakinra injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma •currently receiving vaccinations •depressed immune system or other immune disorders •infection •kidney disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to anakinra, latex, proteins from bacteria cells, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Anakinra is given by a small injection under the skin once a day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Try to inject anakinra at the same time each day on a schedule that works best for you. You may give anakinra injections to yourself or receive your injections in a clinic or doctor's office. Use each pre-filled syringe only once and be sure to inject all of the solution in the syringe. Do not shake the pre-filled syringes. Your prescriber or health care professional will assist you in preparing and injecting your first dose (or first few doses). Make sure you or your caregiver understands how to prepare and give the product. You may call the Kineret® Customer Call Center at 1—866—KINERET (1—866—546—3738) with any questions you may have about anakinra or to request a travel cooler. Rotate sites where you inject anakinra. Usual sites of injection include the thigh, stomach, and upper arms. Do not attempt to give the medicine by yourself if you do not understand how to inject a dose. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Anakinra is taken once every 24 hours. Do not take double or extra doses without advice. What drug(s) may interact with anakinra? (Back to top) •etanercept (Enbrel®) •infliximab (Remicade®) •adalimumab (Humira®) •vaccines Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications. What side effects may I notice from receiving anakinra? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •fever, chills or any other sign of infection Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •headache •nausea •redness, bruising, itching, stinging, or swelling at the injection site •stomach pain What should I watch for while taking anakinra? (Back to top) Make sure to see your health care provider for follow-up on your treatment. You will need blood tests before you start treatment with anakinra, then monthly for 3 months. After the first 3 months, you will need to have your blood checked every 3 months for up to one year while you are taking anakinra. If you get a cold or other infection while receiving anakinra, call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself. Anakinra may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Reactions at the sites of anakinra injection are common. Most of the time these are mild and last about 2—4 weeks. To decrease pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, apply a cold compress before and/or after the injection and allow the injection solution to warm to room temperature prior to giving it. When giving anakinra to yourself, make sure to rotate the sites where you inject the medicine. Make sure the new site is at least one inch from a previous injection site. Do not give in an area where the skin is tender, red, bruised, or hard. If you are receiving anakinra at home, make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children. Store syringes in the refrigerator at 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light. Do not use a syringe that has been left at room temperature for longer than 24 hours. Do not use if the contents of the syringe appear discolored or cloudy, or if there is anything floating in it. Call your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions about the storage or disposal of the syringes. If you are traveling, make sure to store anakinra at the correct temperature. For a complimentary travel cooler, call 1—866—KINERET. Last Updated:02/09/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.