Anakinra (Kineret) is FDA-approved to treat adults with pain and swelling caused by moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not found relief from other treatments.

Anakinra blocks the action of the protein interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is produced in excessive amounts in people with RA. High levels of IL-1 contribute to the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness of RA. By blocking IL-1, anakinra can help reduce these symptoms.

You may need to take anakinra for several weeks before your RA symptoms begin to improve.

Anakinra is given once a day as an injection. If you are prescribed anakinra, the doctor or nurse will teach you how to give yourself the injection so that you can do it at home.

The main side effect of this drug is mild redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. Other side effects include:

• Infections (anakinra suppresses the immune system)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Low white blood cell count

Anakinra is not for everyone with RA. Talk to your doctor before taking anakinra if you:

• Have a fever or think you may have an infection
• Are taking certain medicines, including TNF blockers (eg, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab)
• Are allergic to proteins made from bacteria cells or any ingredient in the medicine
• Have a latex allergy
• Have asthma, HIV or AIDS, or kidney disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are prescribed anakinra, there are other precautions that you should take, such as:

• Telling your doctor or dentist that you are taking anakinra before you have a procedure
• Talking to your doctor before you have a live virus vaccine

If you have tried other RA medicines and have not had any relief from your symptoms, talk to your doctor to find out if anakinra is a good option for you.