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Kineret |
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What is Kineret and why is it prescribed? Kineret is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is usually prescribed after other antirheumatic drugs have failed to make an improvement. Kineret can be prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Kineret works by blocking the effects of interleukin-1, an inflammatory compound released by the immune system. While fighting inflammation, Kineret may also affect the immune system's ability to fight infection. Because of Kineret'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 Kineret, notify your doctor immediately. How should you take Kineret? Follow your doctors directions for taking Kineret. Kineret is taken as an injection beneath the skin. Take Kineret 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 Kineret solution is discolored or has particles in it, do not use the medication. Do not save any unused portion of Kineret. 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 Kineret in a refrigerator and protect from light. Do not shake. Are there any Kineret side effects? Kineret 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 Kineret is a reaction at the injection site, including redness, swelling, inflammation, and pain. These reactions usually disappeared after the first month. Other Kineret 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 Kineret? If Kineret 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 Kineret does, and combining the two types of drug further increases the risk. Kineret 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 Kineret? 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 Kineret 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. Kineret has not been tested in children under 18. |
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