Anakinra (Kineret®)

Interleukin-1 is a protein that plays a major role in causing the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. By blocking the action of interleukin-1, Kineret has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Kineret comes in premade syringes of 100 mg/0.67 mL. One vial is injected subcutaneously each day. A device can be obtained that will mechanically administer the Kineret injection for you. Kineret can be injected into the abdomen or thighs. An area of skin is pinched and entered at a 45-degree angle quickly, then injected. Our nurses are knowledgeable on this technique and can teach you the proper way to inject.

Injection reactions. Sometimes, a red area of skin will occur at the injection site, with mild discomfort. Normally, these are managed with some topical hydrocortisone cream and do not necessitate stopping the medicine. If the red area continues to expand, notify your doctor.

Infections. There is a slight increased risk of infections while on Kineret. The drug should be stopped during any type of active infection beyond a simple cold.

Kineret can take several months to reach full benefit. Besides reducing pain, stiffness and swelling, it can prevent or slow down joint damage. It is not effective in all patients, and individual responses can vary significantly.

It is suggested that a complete blood count (CBC) be obtained at baseline and then every two months while on Kineret.

Our nurses can provide instruction on how to perform self-injections of Kineret. Kineret costs about $13,500 a year. Therefore, it is extremely important that you be approved by your insurance before beginning therapy, and that you understand what your copayment cost will be. Our nurses also help process the necessary paperwork.

One of the drawbacks of Kineret is also one of its advantages: the need for daily injections. Because of its short half-life, if you need to stop Kineret because of an infection, it is out of your system within a couple days.