Anakinra Injection

What is this medication?

ANAKINRA (an a KIN ra) treats rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, such as neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) and deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kineret

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Immune system problems
• Infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal or viral infections
• Kidney disease
• Low white blood cell levels
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to anakinra, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:

• Biologic medications such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following medications:

• Abatacept
• Baricitinib
• Canakinumab
• Medications that lower your chance of fighting an infection
• Rilonacept
• Rituximab
• Sarilumab
• Tocilizumab
• Tofacitinib
• Upadacitinib

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need bloodwork while taking this medication.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your doctor prescribed any medication for TB, you should start taking it before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.