ANAKINRA
About
ANAKINRA belongs to the group of immunosuppressive agents used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Still’s disease, various periodic fever syndromes, neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) and COVID-19. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder of the joints. Still’s disease is also an inflammatory type of arthritis affecting the joints. Periodic fever syndromes are autoimmune inflammatory syndromes characterised by recurrent bouts of fever and swelling.
ANAKINRA contains Anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist which works by blocking the action of interleukin, a protein that causes inflammation. It shields the body from the harmful effects of proteins called cytokines. Thereby, ANAKINRA helps treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Still's disease, periodic fever syndrome, and COVID-19.
ANAKINRA will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional or you may self-administer the injection if you have been properly trained by your doctor or nurse. In some cases, ANAKINRA may cause certain common side effects such as headache, increased blood cholesterol levels, redness, bruising, swelling, or itching at the injection site. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or E. coli as ANAKINRA is produced using E. coli. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from HIV, asthma, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, epilepsy or a disease of the veins. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Inform the doctor especially if you are on radiotherapy, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) inhibiting drugs such as etanercept, blood-thinners, anti-rheumatoid drugs, antiepileptics or antivirals. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of ANAKINRA
Medicinal Benefits
ANAKINRA belongs to the group of immunosuppressive agents used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Still’s disease, various periodic fever syndromes, neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), and COVID-19. ANAKINRA works by shielding the body from the harmful effects of an increased level of proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are body proteins that monitor and regulate the normal functioning of cells. An increase in the level of cytokines (interleukin-1) leads to inflammation and swelling. In normal circumstances, an innate protein regulates the abnormal rise of interleukin-1 and blocks its adverse effects. However, in disease states, this function is compromised. ANAKINRA works by mimicking the body’s natural interleukin-1-blocking protein and screening the harmful effects of the increased interleukin-1.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of ANAKINRA
- Redness, itching, bruising, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Increased blood cholesterol levels
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or E. coli as ANAKINRA is produced using E. coli. Inform your doctor if you suffer from HIV, asthma, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, low blood cell count, epilepsy, disease of the veins, if you are on radiotherapy, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) inhibiting drugs such as etanercept, blood-thinners, anti-rheumatoid drugs and antiepileptics. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: ANAKINRA may interact with antiepileptic (phenytoin), anti-TNF (etanercept), anticoagulants (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: ANAKINRA may interact with alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: ANAKINRA should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, HIV, asthma, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, epilepsy or a disease of the veins.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with ANAKINRA. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeANAKINRA is not recommended during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking ANAKINRA. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if ANAKINRA affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using ANAKINRA in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using ANAKINRA in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionANAKINRA should be used with caution in children and only if prescribed by the doctor. ANAKINRA is not recommended for use in children with rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it is not recommended for children younger than 8months for Still's disease. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation, music and yoga have been proven very effective in helping with mental health.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy. Load up on Vitamin-C rich citrus fruit for enhanced immunity.
- Do not forget to take your Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C supplements every day as these are essential for the body and immunity.
- Steam inhalation for 3-5 minutes every day and salt-water gargle with warm water has been proven very effective in keeping respiratory infections at bay and in promoting health.
- Keep yourself at a safe distance from people.
- Always sneeze or cough into your elbow and keep a handkerchief with you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and keep yourself clean.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in pneumonia.
- Doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, tennis or even dance can be very useful in promoting overall bone health. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired or suffer from severely brittle bones. Muscle training activities such as yoga and Pilates can also be very helpful in maintaining healthy bones.
- Avoid tobacco use as smoking hampers lung health and makes breathing even more difficult.
- Spend time under the sun (however with proper sunscreen) for quality intake of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of Calcium, which is the most important component of bones.
Special Advise
- Discuss contraception with your doctor while taking ANAKINRA.
- You may self-inject once you have been trained properly. Make sure you get all your questions and queries cleared with your healthcare professional.
- In case you miss a dose of ANAKINRA, contact your doctor to find out when to take the next dose.
- Use ANAKINRA with caution in the elderly as they’re more prone to infections.
- Live vaccinations should not be taken along with ANAKINRA. Discuss with the doctor if you are due to take any vaccines.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the joints. Autoimmunity is when the body recognises its own cells as foreign and tends to attack them. Rheumatoid arthritis is often seen in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), vitiligo, lupus etc. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling and weakness at the joints, lumps and redness on the skin, compromised movements, bone erosion and joint deformity.
Still’s Disease: Still’s disease is a form of inflammation and arthritis that causes joint pain, fever and rash. It commonly affects the joints of the wrists.
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Drop-in oxygen saturations and breathlessness may also occur.
FAQs
ANAKINRA works by blocking the action of interleukin, a protein that causes inflammation. It shields the body from the harmful effects of proteins called cytokines.
ANAKINRA may cause neutropenia (low levels of white blood cells). This may increase the risk of infections. If you develop any signs or symptoms of infection, consult your doctor. The neutrophil count should be tested prior to starting the treatment, for every 3months during the treatment, and thereafter for every 4months for up to a year after the treatment.
Not enough literature exists to ascertain the effects of ANAKINRA on fertility. However, ANAKINRA should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely warranted. Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception while on treatment with ANAKINRA. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
ANAKINRA should not be taken along with etanercept (tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis) as it may increase the risk of infections.
Please consult your doctor before taking other medicines such as warfarin or phenytoin. Your doctor may adjust the dose accordingly.