Precautions and Warnings With Anakinra

Before starting rheumatoid arthritis treatment, make sure you are aware of the precautions and warnings with anakinra. Prior to taking the drug, let your healthcare provider know if you have plans to receive vaccinations, any current infection, or a history of tuberculosis or hepatitis B. You should not take anakinra if you are allergic to any components of the medication.

 

Anakinra: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking anakinra (Kineret®) if you have:
 
  • Any disease that weakens the immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, or AIDS
  • Any current infection
  • Infections that come and go (such as cold sores)
  • Plans to receive vaccinations
  • A history of hepatitis B infection or tuberculosis
  • Exposure to chickenpox or tuberculosis (TB)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, latex, or preservatives.
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Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
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Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Warnings and Precautions for Anakinra

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking anakinra include the following:
 
  • Anakinra can increase your risk of infections, including serious ones. You should not start anakinra if you have an existing infection (even a skin infection). While taking anakinra, tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you may have any type of infection. The medication may not be the best choice for people who get frequent infections. Combining anakinra with certain other medications also increases your risk of dangerous infections (see Drug Interactions With Anakinra).
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  • Anakinra can cause certain infections (such as hepatitis B or tuberculosis) that have become inactive in the body to become active again. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had hepatitis B or tuberculosis before starting anakinra.
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  • Allergic reactions can occur with anakinra. These reactions include rashes, hives, itching, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and unusual swelling. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction to Anakinra. Also, the needle cover of anakinra syringes contains dry natural rubber, which may cause reactions in people allergic to latex.
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  • Anakinra is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Kineret and Pregnancy).
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  • It is not known if anakinra passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Kineret and Breastfeeding).
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(Precautions and Warnings With Anakinra Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;