Anakinra

Anakinra is a rheumatoid arthritis medication that is prescribed to people who have not responded to other treatments. By binding to a certain protein in the joints, the medicine can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. After your healthcare provider shows you how to give anakinra injections, you can administer the drug yourself on a daily basis. Side effects of anakinra may include headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

What Is Anakinra?

Anakinra (Kineret®) is a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Specifically, it is approved to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in people who have not adequately responded to other rheumatoid arthritis medications. It is given as a daily injection just under the skin.
 
(Click What Is Anakinra Used For? for more information on specific anakinra uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Anakinra?

Anakinra is made by Amgen, Inc.
 

How Does Anakinra Work?

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have high levels of a certain protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) in their joints. IL-1 causes inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone erosion. Anakinra is a synthetic form of a different naturally occurring protein in the body that inhibits the effects of IL-1. By binding to IL-1, anakinra can help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, along with the physical damage to the joints.
 
Because anakinra targets a specific part of the immune system (IL-1), it is called a "biological response modifier" because it changes (modifies) the body's immune response. It is also known as a "biologic" medication, because it is a protein.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;