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Anakinra |
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What is Anakinra and why is it prescribed? Anakinra is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is usually prescribed after other antirheumatic drugs have failed to make an improvement. Anakinra can be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Anakinra works by blocking the effects of interleukin-1, an inflammatory compound released by the immune system. While fighting inflammation, Anakinra may also affect the immune system's ability to fight infection. Because of Anakinra's potential impact on immunity, make sure the doctor knows if you have a condition that weakens your immune system. If you develop an infection while taking Anakinra, notify your doctor immediately. How should you take Anakinra? Follow your doctors directions for taking Anakinra. Anakinra is taken as an injection beneath the skin. Take it at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to administer this drug. Inspect the medication in the syringe before administering it. If the Anakinra solution is discolored or has particles in it, do not use the medication. Do not save any unused portion of Anakinra. Do not use any medication that is beyond the expiration date. Dispose of the used needles in a puncture-resistant container. Never reuse a needle or syringe. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Anakinra in a refrigerator and protect from light. Do not shake. Are there any Anakinra side effects? Anakinra side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common side effect of Anakinra is a reaction at the injection site, including redness, swelling, inflammation, and pain. These reactions usually disappeared after the first month. Other Anakinra side effects may include abdominal pain, bone and joint infections, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, infections such as cellulitis and pneumonia, nausea, sinus inflammation, and upper respiratory infections. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Anakinra? If Anakinra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Arthritis drugs classified as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents increase the risk of infection just as Anakinra does, and combining the two types of drug further increases the risk. Anakinra should be taken with a TNF blocking agent only if there is no alternative. TNF blocking agents include: Infliximab (Remicade) and Etanercept (Enbrel). Are there any special warnings about Anakinra? Because of Anakinra'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 Anakinra. Older adults are more prone to infections, and should use Anakinra with caution. Do not take a live vaccine while using Anakinra; it's possible that you could contract the disease, although there's no evidence of this happening to date. It's also possible that Anakinra could render any vaccination, live or killed, ineffective. Use Anakinra with caution if you have kidney disease. This condition makes a reaction to the drug more likely. Anakinra has not been tested in children under 18. |
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