Anakinra injection

What is this medicine?

ANAKINRA (an a KIN ra) is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID).

How should I use this medicine?

The medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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 health care provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

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

• headache

• diarrhea

• joint pain

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• biologic medicines such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abatacept

• baricitinib

• medicines that lower your chance of fighting an infection

• rilonacept

• rituximab

• sarilumab

• tocilizumab

• tofactinib

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store the syringes in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Do not shake. Keep in the original container to protect from light. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• cancer

• immune system problems

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

• kidney disease

• low blood counts, like white cells

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to anakinra, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

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

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your doctor or health care professional 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.