What Is Anakinra Used For? (Cont.)

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, it can help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, along with the physical damage to the joints.
 

Is Anakinra Used in Children?

Anakinra is not approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis in children (often known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
 

Off-Label Uses for Anakinra

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend anakinra for treating something other than rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, off-label uses of anakinra include treatment of the following conditions:
 
  • Neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), a rare condition affecting newborns
  • Uveitis (an eye condition).
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;